Christopher's - Covent Garden

Inspired by the Chicago Palm restaurant in America, Christopher Gilmour opened Christopher's, The American Bar and Grill in December 1991 to serve good quality steaks and lobster, hitherto largely unavailable in London.

It quickly became one of the capital's most opulent restaurants, resplendent over 3 floors, and though the concept has been adapted to take into account changing tastes and fashions, it remains faithful to the original theme.

Christopher's is housed in a grand, Grade II listed Victorian building. Recently refurbished, many of the beautiful original features have been retained and complimented by the introduction of a contemporary chic mood creating an atmosphere of classic elegance.

On the ground floor, the fully Wi-Fi enabled Martini Bar is cool and stylish with a list of over 70 scintillating cocktails from which to choose. Luxurious booths lining one side of the bar invite you to settle in for the evening.

At the top of the sweeping stone spiral staircase lies Christopher's large and elegant dining room, with extensive views over Waterloo Bridge. Strong colours and soft lighting complement the high ceilings and beautiful original features of the building. The exclusive private dining room on the lower ground floor, offers a fantastic venue for many different occasions including receptions, meetings, corporate dining and parties.

An à la carte menu bears the brunt of this restaurant's popularity, with their famous 22oz prime rib chop; grilled one and half pound Maine lobster with sweet corn pancake; roast suckling pig, white beans and chorizo succotash, morel mushroom cream and thyme glaze, and blackened salmon with jambalaya risotto, as eye-catching menu leaders. Christopher's uses its best endeavours to ensure all of their fish are caught from sustainable sources.

Amongst the delights on a new dessert menu expect to find baked New York cheesecake with blueberries, pannacotta, peach and champagne jelly terrine, and some very interesting regional cheeses.

Located in the heart of London's Theatreland and rubbing shoulders with the Royal Opera House, Christopher's is the perfect place to eat or drink before a show. The pre-theatre menu (£15.75 for 2 courses or £19.50 for 3) represents great value for money.

Weekends at Christopher's are agreeably relaxed. A traditional American style brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 3.30pm and includes classics such as Eggs Benedict, a Texas Grill, or scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, as well as less challenging traditionals of buttermilk pancakes with maple cured bacon and warm maple syrup.

For more information or to see Christopher's menus, visit their Website.