Maxwell's Restaurant - Covent Garden

Owner Brian Stein was shocked by lots of things after his arrival in the UK from Johannesburg in the 1960s. He quickly adjusted to the climate and the twin obsessions with tea and queuing but was dismayed to discover that there were no decent American style burger and cocktail bars in the entire country. Eventually, after tiring of queuing up in the rain waiting for one to open he created his own. More than thirty years later he presides over the largest single independent restaurant group in the UK.

Maxwell's Covent Garden is the majestic, two-tiered flagship restaurant, which sits snugly next to the Opera House. There is seating for twelve guests on the front terrace, which affords front seat views of the carnival of artists performing along James Street.

Inside you will discover a vast, effervescent, 300-cover setting, with an elegant wood bar stretching into the distance. There are also private booths on the lip of the mezzanine where you can relax in the embrace of dark wood surrounds and look down onto those eating and dancing on the lower level.

Down the sweeping stairs lies seating for 120 guests who are surrounded by a huge mural that wraps itself around the walls and presents an irreverent vignette of twentieth century celebrities. Here, Lady Thatcher winks coquettishly at ribaldry from the Pope and Mother Theresa flirts with Elvis.

Maxwell's, rightly, takes pride in its menu, which has drawn critical approbation from Jamie Oliver, the doyenne of enormous, pukka burgers. The James Street restaurant is at the vanguard of dish creation for the rest of the group.

The signature dish is the famous 'Old Timer' burger made from 100% imported beef with chunky, spiced chips, although there is a range of American influenced recipes such as shrimp Caesar salad. Puddings include warm apple pie and New York cheesecake served with fresh blueberry sauce. To view their menu just visit their Website; do note that they are happy to accept bookings and enquiries by e-mail.

Of course, there is still plenty of choice for vegetarians and a specialised kids list is always available complete with activities and games.

The drinks menu is an eclectic mix of cocktails ranging from the well-travelled traditionals to newly coined upstarts. There is also a prodigious array of quality wines and bottled beers served by some of the country's most accomplished and outrageous cocktail waiters; you will find more information on their wine list.

Do note that they are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.