Richard Shepherd, of Langan's Brasserie and Odin's fame, is so proud of this restaurant that he gave his name to it. He was well justified in my view, as personally I much prefer it to the larger and far less cosy Langan's, and find the quality of the food vastly better, whilst you are more likely to bump into Members of Parliament or Belted Earls than Essex Motor Dealers!

I might explain that Marsham Street is quite close to the Houses of Parliament, and is also full of large blocks of flats where many of the Members of Parliament or Lords live. In fact MPs make up so much of their clientele that Shepherd's has installed a division bell; this means that when a vote is called, they have ten minutes to get back. A sure way to get heartburn and spoil a delicious dinner!

The walls are adorned with a combination of fine art, posters and several of the many hilarious 'JAK' cartoons (Evening Standard), concerning some of the previous exploits of the late Peter Langan, Sir Michael Caine and Richard Shepherd, CBE.

Shepherd's is a terrific advertisement for how varied, inventive and tasty real English cooking can be, far removed from the tasteless stodge of legend.

The many culinary highlights include their crab and brandy soup, wonderful salmon and prawn fishcakes, superb grouse (in season only), and marvellous renditions of famous, but sometimes strange sounding, English puddings like 'Eton mess' and 'Burnt Cambridge creams' - if you don't know what they are, why not ask?

For that party where privacy is a must, Shepherd's has its own 'Private Dining Room' which can seat up to 24 people on one long table or 32 people on four tables of eight, they will also cater for a less formal buffet or presentation event. For Parties of over 12 persons taking advantage of their special inclusive, 'Private Dining Menus' that include three courses, coffee & service from £35 per person, there is no additional room hire charge.

They are also extremely straightforward over their charging policy, either two courses and filter coffee for £29, or three for a mere four pounds extra.

Richard Bradford