Life gives us many reasons to celebrate and what could be better than to do this over tasty food and drink? But even if you don't have a reason to celebrate, pop in to Avenue in the heart of busy St James's and you'll find one, because life seems so much better when you're in a stylish ambience, surrounded by smiling faces and greeted by the wonderful aroma of fresh food. You could do some business entertaining, take a relaxed break from shopping or have a pre or post theatre meal there.

The Avenue opened in 1995 to great critical and architectural acclaim and the place has the 'wow' factor that is hard to dispute; it's big, bright and buzzy and the new private dining room is ideal for special occasions. The bar is considered to be one of London's smartest destinations and attracts a well heeled crowd from a mix of royal courtiers from the two nearby palaces; art dealers from surrounding St. James's, to Bond Street's fashion set.

You could linger on the comfortable easy chairs, enjoy a refreshing cocktail in the gently under-lit interior and slowly get drawn in to the elegant high-ceiling dining room with stunning abstract art. On the left hand side there is a glass wine store, which sits alongside a raised area, perfect for bands or guest speakers, and to the right there is a banquette sitting beneath a long, luminous skylight.

Year 2010 saw the arrival of Head Chef Mikko Kataja, previously of Launceston Place and Mirabelle, and the style of his cuisine is progressive, Modern British, serving fresh seasonal food, simply prepared and cooked. The seasonal emphasis of the cooking means that the menu changes regularly and many dishes are available either as small or large portions. The repertoire includes Severn & Wye smoked salmon with black pepper cream and radishes; squid ink risotto with fennel and water mint, and scallops roasted in seaweed butter, beech smoked ham and apple.

The main course is helpfully divided into fish, meat and grill sections, so there is free range chicken breast served with spinach pancakes, corn and watercress; black pepper braised short rib of beef with carrots; curried monk fish with kohlrabi and red chard, and Royal Berkshire pork with hazelnut cream potatoes and roasted shallots, proving why the Avenue is renowned for a carte that is honest and approachable. Amongst desserts expect to find lemon parfait and jelly with pear sorbet, and raspberry cheesecake with black pepper ice cream.

The wine list of sixty plus bins provides a selection of both New and Old World numbers with a decent choice by the glass.

Avenue shows a clean pair of culinary heels to most of the 'in' restaurants in London by its originality and flair, creating a more interesting experience. For menu changes and other information do check their Website.