Ivy, The

Consistently rated as the most popular restaurant in London, The Ivy has survived a change of ownership without ever losing its direction or its loyal following, possibly because they have managed the retain the original ethos of Chris Corbin and Jeremy King.

Whilst it is the haunt of the rich and famous, it is also an accessible place, and though they could have raised the prices, they have preferred the option of keeping them at a sensible level; this means that you have to book a long way ahead to get in, even though the 'A' list customers can get in more easily. However, without those customers The Ivy would become another just trendy place.

Part of the appeal is that among some rather grander and more modern offerings, they serve a lot of very normal, down to earth dishes, from corned beef hash to shepherd's pie, and kedgeree or fish soup, but always perfectly executed and extremely tasty.

Quite often you can walk in there and get a table in the pre or post-theatre period, to yours and possibly even their surprise, but lunch or mid-evening is another matter, so be prepared for a long wait - however, the general consensus is that it is worth it.

All this is backed up by a carefully selected and varied wine list, though there is little on offer under £20.