For the opera lover a meal at Balconies Restaurant followed by time spent listening to glorious voices within the auditorium can prove to be a rousing affair. A few steps from the main action area, the stunningly designed balconies camouflage its former rôle as a flower market. Now with a domed glass roof overhead and the slight buzz of the bar below, take a few moments to appreciate the layout of the place before heading to more pleasurable pursuits of the culinary kind.

Diners with a ticket in tow are seated no sooner than 90 minutes before the curtain rises, so a Scottish lobster tempura with tamarind ketchup could brighten up those taste buds for a start, or perhaps a poussin salad with baby carrots and cumin. Wiltshire braised belly of pork teamed with braised Umbrian lentils, apple purée and smoked paprika salt makes an impressive main course. If you'd prefer to head out briefly before the final act then Balconies help you complete the course with a chocolate délice, crisp praline and coconut sorbet.