Terrace Restaurant & Bar, The

High above Piccadilly, The Terrace Restaurant is one of the roomiest venues in London; with its vented natural sunlight captured in the shadows of the stone pillars, it boasts a blend of old and new world within its classical yet contemporary surroundings. Compared to the bustling West End below, the restaurant offers a relaxed and refined dining experience.

Alternatively, if you prefer a chic slice of a Venetian "al fresco", lunch can be served on the balcony.

They describe their menus as, "Being international with a cool fashionable twist, serving food which is mouth watering and sumptuous - satisfying the ultimate connoisseur".

Particularly good value - especially for a top hotel restaurant in London - is represented by their fixed price menus at £18.50 for two courses and £22.50 for three courses, served at lunch with a slightly more expensive version for dinner.

The menus are seasonal and during an autumn visit be prepared to find starters of a game consommé with vegetables pearls and soft poached quail's egg, Colchester rock oysters by the half dozen, a capacchio of oak smoked duck with golden beetroot tartare and celeriac remoulade, or a pan-fried scallop wrapped in Serrano ham with braised fennel, pearl barley couscous and carrot, with coriander foam.

This imaginative and diverse approach continues through to the main courses, with loin of venison and savoy cabbage, roasted root vegetables and Valhrona chocolate sauce, fillet of halibut, herb crusted with red confit peppers, black olives and ratatouille sauce, a Paris mushroom risotto with soft herbs, parmesan and cep cream.

Their half poached lobster with seared scallops on gingered vegetables and shellfish veloute makes an eminently suitable dish for an indulgent day.

Puddings continue on a high note with coconut and chocolate creole, a trio of brûlées invoking vanilla, chocolate, lime and lemon grass mix, and a cappuccino mousse with glass caramel leading the way.

Their afternoon tea, with the relaxing sounds of a played piano, can be similarly meaningful as you enjoy "Tea on the Terrace", this is an experience that is all too rare in London these days.

For further details, including information about staying at Le Meridien Piccadilly or holding private parties and conferences there, do visit their Website.