St John's

St John's is not only famous for hosting occasional master chef kitchen trials but also for its whole roast suckling pig. The glorious swine is a wonderful idea. Having said that it must be pre ordered and my visit was spontaneous so I had to make do with the general menu.
St John's boasts of in your face, minimalist, traditional British dining. It is full of middle aged architect types that speak in baritones and roll their Rs. I found the atmosphere very refreshing and unusual but the food didn't bow me over. It just didn't' "bag a punch".
Duck hearts for starters made me ponder whether they threw away the duck after extracting the hearts or kept the carcass for other dishes. The mussel starter was more rewarding. As a main we had rabbit and duck which were of excellent quality but unmemorable in themselves. The most interesting part of the meal was the desert - a combination of Eccles cake and Lancashire cheese. I added many new words from the menu to my personal dictionary that day - like mallard and chitterlings. The whole experience was washed down by an absolutely amazing house red which I intend to purchase for home the next time I'm around.

Weeping Willow

The Willow is a pub turned lounged restaurant at Winchmore hill. Easiest way to get there is by car or cab as it is in the heart of the residential area. It is easy to spot by the massive live Willow tree outside. The design reminds me of a toned down version of Gaucho. The service was great, the food price was great too - in between a pub and a restaurant. I wouldn't award them Michelin stars just yet but you can see that they try and aspire. To break it down in the best traditions of professional master chef - the presentation was quite refined, the food - almost so - it would have been great but a bit on the heavy side - something that the right wine easily solves. The peppered beef steak was divinely tender -one of the best I've had. The wild mushroom jus that accompanied it could have met with improvement but worked very well when combined with the dauphinois potatoes. The onion bread was delicious - crunchy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside. Stuffed mushrooms for starter looked extremely pretty and were combined well with baked cherry tomatoes but could have used a hint more flavour. The lamb could have used a bit of an extra trim and the aubergines and potatoes on the side did not require that extra ingredient of green been paste which was lovely on its own accord but tipped the dish towards the heavy side. The light poached pears, were an excellent end to the repas.
Culinary pretentiousness aside - the Willow's a great place for any event that requires a good, long hearty talk and a satisfied, happy gut. The only thing you would weep from is overeating.

Top Gun

The Gun in the docklands has housed a pub for "over 250 years", it was once owned by lord Nelson and frequented by smugglers. These times have passed and now the gun is a respectable gastronomic establishment boasting fresh fish from the market and you must call in advance and pre order the cod - its so good they tend to run out. We didn't pre order and instead select smoked eel for starters and that days special - stingray en croute with capers. The eel lacked garnish and the stingray was too oily. I would call the dining experience rather average. However when I saw - other people's orders - I began to have second thoughts. The braised ham hock and the 35 day matured Aberdeen rib eye looked pleasantly huge and tasty to the eye. As I had already eaten my order I did not have the pleasure of trying them but decided to contend myself with a coffee on the terrace. As I walked through the pub I noticed that its design makes it a great place to go to with a big group of friends or colleagues. I did not expect to find its crown jewel on the terrace but I did; an amazing, sci fi, "360 degrees" view of the O2 dome in all its evening splendour. It felt surreal to sit on the heated terrace, have a fag and look across the water at the glimmering lights of the concert hall and the occasional Thames clippers, cruising by.
Verdict? A must see for drinks with friends - hearty atmosphere , impressive view and since you're there and the drink has made you hungry - you might as well have some traditional pub grub with an aspirational twist.

Soseki

Guided through Old street towards the City by my GPS and a desire for some quality sushi - led me through many a dark alley to Bury Street. ...Burrrryyyy Street - location of a Japanese establishment called Soseki. Bury Street is an absolutely useless address because all you got to know about Soseki's location is that it's opposite the Gherkin. And if you don't know where the Gherkin is you don't deserve to eat anyway.

Likes of Wasabi, Itsu and Yo Sushi and other mediocre establishments have really spoiled the raw fish experience for me. They made me see Japanese cuisine as something bland and boring, often containing too much rice in proportion to the fish. Soseki gave me a second chance. It was the best sushi I have yet to try. The fish really did feel fresh - something you cannot describe but know when you try it. There was obscenely more fish than rice and my salmon main was a SALMON MAIN!. Maybe they use extra fresh ingredients, maybe their chefs have special flavour enhancing saliva that they secretly inject into the food. I don't know to what the food owes its exquisite flavour. All I know is that Soseki is the kind of place I want to eat at every day.

Not to mention that they made a real effort with design, that there's a surreal view on to the Gherkin and that the prices are high but worth paying.

BARNET OR BARNé

You would usually go to Barnet to house hunt for a suburban repose family home or streak a few footballers that have chosen the leafy mansionesque area as their natural habitat. What I'm saying really is that culinary delights would not spring on top of your to do list.

When a friend recommended Savoro as a deemed food establishment I accepted his invitation with a mild sense of wonder. Savoro is a hotel restaurant just of the local high street. The design unsurprisingly was hardcore hotel classic chic - white starched table cloths and unimaginative lighting. I wouldn't usually overlook these intricate details had not the food been so amazing and well priced and the staff so friendly.

Asparagus taken as a side with some dill sauce merited a mention on all its own. The liver was well flavoured the puree exciting and the duck melted off the bone. I would call the overall tone of menu as British Mediterranean fusion - there were lots of grills and fish to chose from. A glass of white rounded of the dinner nicely and left me stuffed and desperately seeking a couch to repose on and not think. I would definitely recommend this place for a celebration or a party or any sort of get together - its informal enough in that way and lets a lot of people share some good food.

Welcome to Cyprus

The Carob Tree is a new Mediterranean restaurant in Hampstead. It boasts original Cypriot food. Whether the food is Cypriot or Greek or Mediterranean is a contestable question but the staff certainly speaks Greek and the food (where ever it originates from) is certainly the real thing.
The portions are big and hearty and definitely value for money! We took two Greek salads but they where so big one would have been enough, a variety of mezes, lamb cutlets and a seafood selection for main. The seafood was wonderfully flavoured, fresh off the grill. It cost around a tenner and contained massive king prawns. Usually that would in itself go for at least 12 quid. The quality of the food was excellent, the lamb and the fish were cooked and flavoured just right. We stuffed ourselves and had lazy black coffees in the front yard.
It's a new place and if they manage to uphold the standards they've set I'm sure it will soon become an all time favourite.

India of the North

It is a truth universally acknowledged that finding an open restaurant in London after midnight is an arduous task. Stuck hungry in Hampstead we made our was through Dartmouth park towards a nearing kebaberie at Tufnell park tube. Hidden on a residential street amongst sleeping houses was Chameli. At first on seeing it open I thought I must have been delusional, something pushed me to go inside and ask if the kitchen was still open. Indeed it was and what a treat we got! Everything was nice - the owner, the cook , the atmosphere, the food...
We took prawn biryani and chicken korma. Flavoured just right they made us feel so full, and happy and high from all the spices. The pompadums where crispy and the dips flavoursome and of good texture. This all went down very well with a hearty bottle of red.
We were the last customers and we stayed as long as we needed, nobody rushed us or showed signs of uneasiness. Chameli is a great place to go, if you find it - 56 Chetwind road.

Ola! Mexico

London is full of everything, what it is NOT full of is Mexican cuisine. Proper hardcore Mexican. I am talking about fat, big tacos, bulging burritos and the like. Real ones, in corn flower wraps not wheat! After some searching I came up on Mestizo on Hampstead road. It's neither obtrusive, nor is it in your general restaurant area. So Mestizo we went. The bar was pretty, the walls were red, the service fast. The food ... not what I'd expected. It was sort of gourmet served Mexican. We took a taco tray for starters. The beans were served separately in a silver looking cup. Loved the beans. Next came chicken Enchiladas. I would have wanted them to have been a bit bigger, a bit messier.
All in all Mr. Average would love that place, in my opinion Mexican merits more vim.

Fifteen Delinquents

Jamie Oliver. The food "IT" guy ... goes on and opens humble Fifteen at 15 Westland Place. Fifteen is not just a posh chef's extension of his alter ego. No. Fifteen has a mission - they help rehabilitate "disadvantaged young people". It's a very nice thing to do. Five stars on Jame's moral integrity he is a successful human being.
Nonetheless - food before urchins. You've got the best organic, politically correct products, Jame's tutelage, talented young staff ... you get good results. By good I mean okay..everything is just right but not right there. Come on JAMIE OLIVER!!!! I expect fireworks in my mouth I expect to see my third eye, feel my sixth sense, cross my Rubicon. And the portions were a bit small and the tables stood a bit too close to each other.
The dessert made me happy though! I needed comfort food and that complicated chocolate brownie did the trick. Very nice.
Fifteen - it's a bit of a hit or miss case. Though pulling the Joker would make it worthwhile.

The Albion of Hope

Another successful project undertaken by the Conran group is Albion Cafe in Shoreditch. As I've mentioned before - the Conran Group design every item you will see in the restaurant themselves. Once again they've outdone themselves. The Albion Cafe looks like Petter Rabbit's kitchen. The food is in your face home grown and organic. Where you inspired by the food - there is a delicatessen store on the side that sells the natural produce. Mostly though it sells fresh bread and cakes which look very inviting. The food in the cafe is traditionally British. The English breakfast boasts perfect scrambled eggs and the devilled kidneys where in a rich, gravy sauce that made me happy. I understand where they're coming from with the whole healthy, organic thing but I was slightly disappointed with the cauliflower and cheese that I took as a side - the cauliflower was slightly too crunchy. Though the Japanese have thought us that crunchy vegetables are very good I cannot get used to the idea. Do try the sandwiches though - they're huge and big and jolly all around.
The place is trendy and full of people. The sad part is that there is not enough staff to go round and it takes ages to get your order through. However once it does go through, it's prepared and brought to you rather rapidly.

Bistro in the Park

Probably one of the most relaxing places to be in London in summertime is Bistro Laz cafe on Highgate Hill. It is literally next door to Hampstead heath. Very cosy and Mediterranean, lots of reds and things hanging on the wall, Laz offers traditional Mediterranean food. We usually take the hot mezze platter that has everything needed for a taste of Med. - grilled haloumi, fallafel, kofte, filo pastry, calamari, spicy sausages, served with warm pita, houmous and tsatsiki. The wholesome mezze makes you nostalgic for those days you spend on holiday.
It's great to go there after a strenuous excursion on the heath or a climb to parliament hill. It's open quite late so if you had a George Michael encounter* after hours you can go to Laz for a hot chocolate and succulent, fresh cheesecake.
Done by the same owner is Al Parco Pizzeria. It is linked to Laz like a semidetached house. Al Parco offers italian pizza and pasta with appropriate decoration. You can even request a menu from Laz while you're there if you feel like mixing an Italian entourage with Turkish food. Al parco is litteraly an extension of Laz, hence it doesn't merit a review of it own. However it's as pleasant as Laz and the food is of a reasonable standard..

Tasty Tabernacle

Another restaurant hidden off Old Street - the Tabernacle is predictably located on 55-61 Tabernacle street. I like the choice of name - unaspiring and associative. The venu itself fits inn quite well with the name; modern, warm wooden design, two floors, busy during lunch and dinner times. Warm dark colours and good lighting. If you want more privacy you can check out the loungier, cavier downstairs. It's the kind of place you could go to to wind down but not for too long because you want to have an early night.
The food is italian. I greatly enjoyed the tuna penne. They got the sauce just right - a little spicy, a little sweet with a distinct hint of sundried tomatoes. Something many restaurants don't ever seem to get right! Some sort of tomato sauce is a basic italian cuisine must - they should have some kind of kitchen o'levels to make sure all practicing chefs can get it right.

Fish..Works

Fishworks is a small chain of seafood restaurants. There are only two in London and I recently visited the one in Marylebone. I was so happy with it I had a whole sauvignon semillon 2007 to myself and caused mischief with cigarettes. I must commend the staff they were very composed and corteous. The only problem was that they were also very busy as the place was buzzing with clients. So I strongly recommend reserving a table beforehand.
The oysters were prettily served and successfuly devoured. The seafood platter challenged my strength as an eater. It was massive and had all kinds of sea creatures in it. I was very pleased. So pleased that I wasn't shy to show my company the heartiness of my appetite. Fishworks presents a very personal client and food relationship. You can chose your prey from an iced glass selection if you so wish. You can personally make sure that, that one wont get away. For fish lovers out there it's a must see.

FISH!

Fish in Borough Market is what I would call a trendy venue, or an iconic venue. It is located in a conservatory overlooking the Southwark Cathedral.
Fish is usually quite full so don't expect to go there and discuss the development of your relationship. It's a place to feast on fresh fish, selected early in the morning from the nearing Borough Market, famous for its fresh food and for being the main fish supplier for many restaurants in London.
I made the error of ordering a juicy steak, that looked bleak in comparison to my friend's succulent, grilled salmon. I rarely comment on the portions - they're generally too small or when it comes to pasta - too big. Fish however surprised me. For once I did not take a starter yet felt full and satiated from just the main.

To Tbilisi

The heart of Georgian cuisine is located in Holloway. When one plans to go there - do not forget - it's Holloway so "Great Expectations" should be a good read beforehand.Tbilisi is a place to visit for good food. That's the best, basic, fitting description. Very relaxed retro dark atmosphere, some good Georgian wine on the menu.I would recommend a selection of starters and a saucy main with lots of Khachapuri bread. The french have thought me that wipping the gravy is not a sign of peasantry so go and endulge.

Ukraine in Piccadilly

One of my favourite things about Divo is the location. Set just off the busy Piccadilly Circus it's a quiet haven of unpretentious splendour. You are greeted by Ukrainian Tsarist chic and a grand piano with a lone pianist playing melancholy tunes reminiscent of a victorious past. The pianist is a sight all by himself; he looks like he's just walked inn from a black and white fifties movie to play some cords of his tender soul.
The food was good, presentation classy. I might have wanted bigger portions but then the free champagne and milk chocolate strawberries (it was Valentine's day) made up for it in abundance. A big faux pas on the vodka which was served warm. Made me blush in front of my beau whom I'd meant to impress with sophisticated and wise Ukrainian table traditions. Luckily the staff were eager to amend that error. It's a pity Eastern Europe is seen as a homogeneous concept - despite their similar looks - they all take their aperitifs differently.

From Russia with Love

A night in Trojka..

What does one expect when embarking up on a journey in a three horsed chariot (Trojka) to feast all night? Decadent glamour - lots of gold , red and flash... Trojka restaurant in Belsize park delivers all that but with a twist. Up on entering the restaurant one goes through a time loop and finds oneself in an eighties expat, soviet cafe with too much lighting and mellow service speed.
Russians say "the appetite comes when the meal is broth forth"; after finally making our order we received the food very fast and drowned in nostalgia for the old soviet union. Big hearty dishes full of wholesome, traditional food went down very well with iced vodka shots and black tea with cherry shots put a good end to a hearty meal.
All in all if you want to give someone an unpretentious taste of Russia hop into Trojka.

Little house on the prairie

Auberge Du Lac in Herdfordshire, boasts a fresh, first Michelin star this year. It seemed a good idea to visit it before the fresh stardust wore off. A very picturesque entry is offered through tall iron gates as you're buzzed inn by the staff. Then a spead of golf course , a lake and trees all around. The restaurant itself is located in a small two storey ex hunting lodge. The decoration inside is one of an old school hotel. Despite the cuisine being french the waiters were refreshingly not all so. It's a very anti casual place. Gentlemen must banish jeans and snickers in favour of black trousers, ladies must arrive in evening wear.
We were offered champagne soon after we sat down. With happy cheer we selected the tasting menu of scallops and other things I simply cannot remember. My poor memory was not the result of a tragic accident but a casualty of boring food. Yes boring. I was so bored I precipitated to wine myself senseless and ordered the bill. No little was my surprise when I realised that we got charged £24 pounds for the champagne that we deemed complementary! Of course this is no court case matter but when one is asked "would you like a glass of champagne" at the beginning of his repas, before even ordering any aperitifs - one usually assumes it is free like in other places.
Looking on the bright side - for those who like a spot of dogging the vast open golf course surrounding the Auberge, with its whispering pines and very few lights provides an excellent evening past time.

Satsuma

My visit to Satsuma in Kentish town was quite remarkable. I'd seen it open a couple of days ago and when I chose to visit I simply couldn't find it. It turned out that day the whole street had a power cut and all the lights were out! The friendly owner suggested we dine by candle light and eat the food that does not require heating. It felt so surreal to dine by mere candle light overlooking a dark street.
We had salmon sashimi, dumplings and salmon teriyaki with rice. The food was fresh and plentiful. Green tea was an excellent ending. Very cute, very value for money. I don't know what Satsuma is like with electricity but it's lovely by candlelight.

Sardinia - mi piace

A taste of Sardinia can be found in Nuraghe at Tufnell Park. You wouldn't think Tufnell park to be a gastro district but Nuraghe makes it such in my eyes. Simple design - hand painted walls, seashore thematics, light wooden chairs and tables - none of the Michelin pomp.
You get a real taste of Italy though - the chef is proper Italian, language speakers can distinctly hear him occasionally bitch at the staff.
The food is great. I've been there numerous times and every time it held the mark. Traditional pasta with meat, spaghetti with clams, fresh tiger prawns, wafer thin pizza, ravioli with walnuts... all make your mouth water. Last time I had one of the specials - a massive mullet. The flesh was tender and succulent and the lemon sauce simple and zesty. Absolutely delicious.
Without a doubt Nuraghe has the best food I've tried in London. Every time I got there I get excited to try something new and be blown away.

Sophie's

Sophie's steak house has caught my attention a couple of months ago. I've been told they do really good steak. My first attempt at the steak was unsuccessful. We went to their Chelsea branch and found it utterly packed. Sophie's operates on no bookings, first come first serve basis so declining to wait for an hour we went off elsewhere in Fulham.
My second effort was rewarded with success. We visited the Covent Garden branch after the theatre and had plenty of room to sit as the place was huge. Huge and modern. Wooden tables, organic style. And high tech lamp structures. It was okay. I was most impressed by the opening hours. .. 1 am is very good for a West end restaurant.
As for the food - the steak we had and indeed the steak was good. However I did feel the pang of regret in letting those 20 quid go.... Oh yes of course on could order the 27oz porterhouse T-Bone and that would probably taste even better. .. as good as 3o quid. Okay you can have a girlie option of £10 fishcakes or a burger for a fair price... but the name says steakhouse. I want a steak from a steak house and I want it for a fair price. Pizza hut doesn't put a surcharge on their classic Margarita does it? Liked the free mustard though.

Gilgamesh

"The Epic of Gilgamesh is, perhaps, the oldest written story on Earth. It comes to us from Ancient Sumeria, and was originally written on 12 clay tablets in cuneiform script. It is about the adventures of the historical King of Uruk". (www.ancienttexts.org) The story centres around Gilgamesh's or "king of all kings" adventures and quest for immortality.
Gilgamesh Restaurant and Lounge Bar live up to the legend. The design is intricate and exquisite. The legend of Gilgamesh is carved on the wooden columns and the wooden bar table. The cocktails are complicated and professional. The view is equally interesting as the lounge is located on top of Camden lock and you can see the freight trains speed by. The retractable roof can open in summer for some solar power.
There is a tea house during the day, the lounge for the evening and the restaurant for the hungry. The cuisine is Pan Asian and worthy of attention. But trust me you eyes will have trouble feasting on the food as they will be busy taking in the richness of Mesopotamian surroundings. I do suggest you ignore the predictable options of ordering sushi and dim sum and instead go for Lobster wonton followed by beef penang. A definite must see in London.

In the Joury.

Joury is like a multi talented person. There are many good sides to it; each person would find something of his own that appeals to him most. This Lebanese restaurant is just off Oxford street, nestled between Marble arch and Bond Street Tubes. 72 Duke Street is a magic number. By the time you have travelled that far up Oxford Street - one of these things would have happened to you; you 're loaded with shopping, your feet hurt and you're tired and hungry. What you'd love most is a relaxing atmosphere away from the human traffic you've already spend so long fighting. For years I could not find a place like that in the area. A place that's right near the shops so I don't have to walk much further and a place that's not too "Mayfair" because I'm just not dressed for the occasion. Joury is my oasis, my safe haven.

There is a big pink rose drawn at the storefront window. Inside is a chilled out atmosphere with mellow music and traditional, colourful Arabic decor. The shisha was excellent. You can judge a place by the shisha - if they take good care of it then it will always taste nice, if they don't wash it you get a vile after taste. That just means bad maintenance. So yeah - Joury - good maintenance - good food. Actually the best Arabic I've had in London. Tabouleh, Crunchy pastries, marinated chicken and grilled lamb skewers, humus, aubergine dip... it's a place to try everything and pig out.

Chu Chu Train

It is not easy to guess the location of St Pancreas Grand......... it just might be near the champagne bar on the upper floor of St Pancreas station. Basically it's where the Eurostar is. A fun place. I happened to be there during the opening of their whisky bar and the friendly staff let me inn on the free cocktails. It was a surprise that lead to a pleasant evening.
The Grand has a very romantic atmosphere, it makes you think you're in one of those black and white movies where gentleman in a hat runs after the train. Despite its nostalgic touch it's quite modern inside and has a massive clock that lets you know the time so you can avoid repeating the gentleman chasing the train scene.
The cuisine is British old school with modern presentation. Smoked haddock with mash, poached eggs and hollandais was a real discovery. The wine list looked interesting but I was concentrating on whisky and decided to give it, its due attention another time.
Whether you want a memorable "last supper" in London or you want a quiet evening meal the Grand should do it.

So Sosho

Sosho is a great place to be social. It's got this chilled out no frills atmosphere and mellow music. Rules of conduct prohibit name "dropping and starf*cking" which is all very well but I'm afraid there aren't many stars around; as Sosho is tucked away somewhere deep off Old Street tube. It's a challenge to find if you don't have the exact directions but a five minute walk from the tube if you do. I really liked it! The staff was the friendliest in the world, the cocktails sophisticated and the food of a high standard. My Lebanese friend told me that you can judge a place by the humus it makes. I must say Sosho humus was way better than any I've tried in Mediterranean restaurants.
It's open conveniently from 12 in the afternoon till 1 am on weekdays; what more can one ask for from a relaxing lounge bar? On weekends it acts as a club and is open till 6am. Which is great but not, because they messed it up.... I can understand paying £15 quid to go to a West End club because they need all they help they can get to afford those rents but old street... come on! It's like wearing grandma's diamonds to a rave.

Hakkasan

I'd stumbled up on Hakkasan by sheer accident. I was roaming the backstreets off Tottenham court road in search of an open, early bar. It's located in a dead end street and aside from the the buff looking security is completely inconspicuous. I entered to find my self transferred into a kind of Sex and the City episode. You could hang out at the long, pretentious bar as you decide whether you want to be seated at the table or you'd just like to chill with your drink and pretend you're Samantha, Charlotte or Carrie or Miranda.
I was very impressed when this "slightly plump" gentleman ordered a massive duck. It was the biggest duck I've ever seen. The patient waiter stood next to the gentleman's table and kept on making him crackers with duck, spring onion and black caviar. Hakkasan's cuisine is what is known as "oriental fusion" but I cannot accept the mixture of Asian duck with caviar. It simply cannot do. However the Michelin guide has no such qualms - Hakkasan had gained a Michelin star rating in 2003. It is definitely worth visiting for a refreshing new atmosphere.

Stingray

The Stingray is a very laid back restaurant, 2 minutes from Tufnell park tube. There are two floors with glass shopfront windows, red walls and a very interesting selection of paintings.
The food is quasi Italian. You get good pastas and pizzas as well as a hearty surf and turf. I like to go for the steak there. It always has a nice slightly peppery flavour. The prosciutto pizza is good too as they are quite generous with the prosciutto.
Very decently priced with happy hour cocktails and special lunch offers, the Stingray is both a good place for lunch and a quiet evening meal. The kind of place locals would go to, to celebrate a small occasion. There is very friendly staff and if you are usually the type that goes to eat out hungry - you'll be pleased to know that the food is served rather promptly.

24 Rhodians

Rhodes 24 is located in the iconic Tower 42 - the tallest skyscraper in the City of London. You enter the high tech lobby, pass a strict security check and zoom to the 24th floor in a silent lift. You are met by a classic interior with a slightly hotel feel to it. I am talking long, heavy table cloths, lots of cutlery, big napkins.
The cuisine was hardcore french. Very Michelin style - three course for a set price, small, pretty portions that manage to make you full despite their size. A wine list as tick as my finger, was of course supplied, I was perplexed they did not have any Luxebourgish wines, despite their presence on the list. We made do with Riesling in the end which turned out to be the right choice for the meal.
The view........ is exactly what one expects to find on the 24th floor. The Gherkin looms on your right and you get different parts of the London skyline depending on where you sit. The tables are placed in a circular fashion mostly near the the floor to ceiling windows. Tables facing Canary Warf and Alexandra Palace are the safest bets if you want to show some tourists a good vista.

Babylon

Babylon is located in the ex penthouse apartment of the woman behind the designer brand Biba. It's on the seventh floor at 99 High Street Kensington. Babylon and the night club Roof Gardens are Sir Richard Branson's little babies. As in they're owned by Virgin.
It's an amazing place - true to its name Babylon is surrounded by picturesque rooftop gardens, that house pink flamingos and Chinese coloured ducks. You can dine in style, contemplating the views of the gardens and south London skyline.
You will get confused by the feeling that you're just in a friend's living room, yet having some haut Anglo french fusion. Courgette soup made an interesting starter. I was really glad I had room left for the dessert - lemon meringue tart with blueberries had made me extremely happy. In addition if you dine in Babylon should you then wish to continue the party a floor below at Roof Gardens club - you'll get free entrance, jump the cue and get an excursion of the gardens you were previously contemplating.

Zuma

Zuma is a high end Japanese restaurant in Knightsbridge. Prices bite but it's a special place worthy of the wallet wound. It is designed with an effort by a famous Japanese designer Noriyoshi Muramatsu. I don't know how famous.. I've personally never heard of him and I've never been to Japan either but speaking for Zuma - he did well.
I didn't have a chance to try out their sake bar as I'd already arrived there considerably inebriated. However I had enough concentration left to appreciate the Izakaya dining style - you sit on mats around a low table. This provides a more informal relaxed atmosphere.
The food despite, its small size was very nice. We took the tasting menu and had a variety of meat and fish prepared in different sticky sauces. It was a very welcome and warm break from the usual sushi selection which they also have by the way.
I am sure the Japanese would laugh to see their Izakaya, pub style dining methods turned into a high end enterprise but for those who haven't yet visited the real thing - Zuma will prove entertaining.

"Old river...... take me along.."

We were staying at the docklands and finding it slightly dreary and empty on a bank holiday. On an attempted exploration of the area we stumbled up on Booty's Riverside Bar. It's was hidden on Narrow Street, about five minutes away from the Canary Warf Four Seasons. Booty's boasts of being a wine bar, and a large selection indeed they had. I really appreciated the marine design and the open view on to the raging Thames. It felt like being in a cabin of an old pirate ship.
They serve traditional British pub grub and fresh fish from Billingsgate Market. Yorkshire ham salad was pink and bountiful. The prawn cocktail was fresh and crunchy while the grilled fish smiled a satisfied grin from its wholesome position on my plate.
A very intimate, cosy place, great for those misty winter evenings and private conversations. Lets admit it - Docklands is the edge of the world.

"This is such a nice place, too bad it's in Belgium"

Belgo is what one calls a chain. I visited the one in Covent Garden. They made an effort with design. There is a sort of overall bunker feeling as you enter the dimly lit reception and then proceed down the stairs into the spacious dining area.
Before the film "In Bruges" came out Belgium was famous for three things - Antwerp diamonds, flavoured beer and mussels. Diamonds aside Blego offers both of the other two commodities. We had mussels with chips and some cherry Kriek. What you see is what you get in Belgo. Makes a good alternative for a casual lunch or dinner.