You really can't miss Monza on Yeoman's Row, its bright yellow façade is certainly eye-catching, but step inside and the yellow theme still persists; perhaps vivid colours do their bit to cheer people up. Numerous pictures of F1 and racing drivers reveal a real passion for cars and circuits and the close-packed table layout enhances the feeling of bonhomie.

Then its time to draw attention to matters concerning food, and yes, it is Italian all along, starting with crispy duck leg served with salad and balsamic vinegar and asparagus with smoked salmon, through to chicken breast stuffed with crab and prawns in pink sauce, and Dover sole, grilled or sautéed with butter and lemon. A pasta course mixes rigatoni with bacon, mushrooms, broad beans and cream, and linguine is tossed with monkfish, prawns, cherry tomatoes and rocket salad. Vin Santo or Grappa Barolo complements the soft, sweet flavour of dome vanilla rhubarb or semifreddo torroncino at dessert time.