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By all accounts this is the place to be until somebody comes up with something even more daringly extravagant. 195 comes in three parts, a TV room which is available for hire for around 10 people when not in other use, the Salon a sumptuous room holding 20 for private parties, and the Lounge which has space for around 95 and serves what is referred to as 'bar-friendly' food.

This is taken to mean that your mind will be covering a range of subjects in which eating does not play a lead role. Which is certainly not to knock the good range of canapés, the chilli crab cakes and oriental duck pancakes, all of which are tasty and well presented.

The fact that the lady serving you is costumed courtesy of Virgin lingerie might conceivably have something to do with your state of mind, but that's your problem. Just voted Bar of the Year at the Evening Standard Awards it seems likely that 195 is headed for a glittering future.

Imagine a menu that has French food as a basis, with an underlying Japanese influence and you have the enigma that is L'Etranger. Dishes include foie gras terrine with pickled berries, confit of Barbary duck, or pan-seared Scottish scallops, all decidedly French, but followed by Grade 9 Wagyu fillet with black truffle and rock shrimp and silken tofu tempura, chilli mayonnaise and ponzu, so very Asian.

This cool venue in South Kensington seems to have gone down well with its clientele, starting with the handsome dining room done up in grey and subtle lilac with oak flooring, to the warm and convivial atmosphere within.

L'Etranger has an amazing wine list with over 1000 entries, and was fittingly awarded two goblets from the Wine Spectator magazine from 2006-2008. It features some relatively unknown countries like Brazil and Turkey, whilst remaining loyal to traditional wine producing regions.

Those of you who've watched the Japanese film Tampopo will agree that it is a light-hearted take on the quest for a perfect bowl of noodles. Whilst the film may have hit the screens in 1985, its storyline is still alive today as it draws a culinary parallel to the mission of its namesake in the UK. Tampopo's attempt to recreate the flavours and aromas of Eastern Asia signalled the start of an adventurous gastronomic journey.

Your inhibitions about street food will be put to rest with the arrival of sesame prawn skewers, and griddled dumplings of minced pork, bamboo shoots and spring onions with a soy dip. The star attractions are undoubtedly classics like sesame-scented glass noodles with shiitake mushrooms, cucumber, carrot and chilli, and spicy wok-fried rice with shiitake mushrooms, chilli, lime leaves and onion flakes. It's all too common to give desserts a miss at Asian restaurants, but not so at Tampopo where there are choices such as ginger crème brûlée and Malaysian sticky black rice pudding made with creamy coconut milk and luscious palm sugar.

Relaunched in September 2011, The Collection - a glittering catwalk beyond the discreetly signed entrance welcomes people to the most spirited of dining experiences - and it's definitely not for the self conscious. The interior has been redesigned by Tom Dixon of Design Research Studio ideal for every occasion in the form of metallic lighting, textured walls, leather and banquet seating. The mezzanine offers a picture-perfect intimate setting and fantastic facility for private or corporate events and celebrations. The Pommery Champagne Bar located on the mezzanine is a world in itself and makes an interesting choice to celebrate or take a break. It offers selected variety of champagnes while the popular wine list features a wide choice of red, rose and white wines available by glass, carafe or bottle.

The menu changes seasonally and Executive Chef Alex Fanzola has put his stamp by using fine and fresh ingredients sourced from local premium suppliers. A selection from the menu could include tartare of buffalo with duck egg and sourdough toast followed by clay baked baby chicken with pomegranate molasses and sprouting broccoli.
 
The Collection is also renowned for hosting some of London's most spectacular events, from the British Fashion Awards to showcasing the Cartier collection. The new private retail spaces have been designed to offer visitors a unique retail experience as it will play host to "pop-up" stores which will display original collections from renowned jewelers, designers and artists.

In the eyes of many it has taken too long for this Belgian bakery-patisserie-café concept to reach Britain, but Le Pain Quotidien is here now and drawing the crowds to its thirteen locations in London. The common thread running through all outlets is the communal style seating where diners can enjoy a breakfast platter, say a wide variety of breads, croissants, yogurt and coffee.

For the rest of the day think tartines, soups, salads, baguettes, fruit tarts and a selection of chocolate wickedness. The bakery also serves naturally leavened sourdough breads, patisserie and croissants and all around is the aroma of freshly baked bread blended with the coffee. In the evening the whole place morphs into romantic dinner setting with candle lights and gleaming cutlery, and the menu choices are substantial, from grilled chorizo and lemon and hot Lyonnaise salad of confit duck to granola 'parfait' with yoghurt and fruits.

Set in London's trendy Knightsbridge, Brompton Quarter Brasserie serves an inspiring modern English cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. The venue's stylish and sophisticated ambience combined with friendly, non-intrusive service provides guests a dining experience with a difference.

Order crispy duck salad with shallots, chili, mint, coriander, melon and cucumber as a start to your meal followed by mussels with chorizo, white wine, cream and fresh herbs. For main course dishes such as pan roasted lamb rump with spicy mint vegetable mint couscous and a red wine reduction and poached salmon fillet with wilted spinach, grilled Jersey royals and a chive beurre blanc are at the forefront. If you prefer grills then the 28 day mature char-grilled sirloin may catch your eye. Sweet temptations include burnt lemon cream raspberry sorbet and tuile biscuits and St. Emilion poached pear and praline tart.

A range of Old World wines beckons from the wine list to complement your meal.