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Marine Ices is a nautical themed restaurant that has enjoyed years of enviable reputation for fantastic homemade ice creams. However, before you get to the desserts there's plenty to distract you en route. An Italian menu includes light bites such as mushrooms stuffed with breadcrumbs, garlic and parsley and deep fried fresh squids. You could also keep it healthy and light with salads of green beans, anchovy, tuna and eggs. Classic pizzas and pasta dishes with both traditional and more unusual combinations make for wholesome meals alongside excellent chicken recipes put to good use.

When you do get to the ice cream and sorbet menu, you'll be surprised by the richness of variety and though all options are eye-catching, crowned either with a sweet or alcoholic topping, a good old-fashioned Knickerbocker Glory is the real masterpiece at Marine Ices.

In a city that loves coffee, it isn't surprising to see a new coffee shop amongst the new openings. However, only a few know how to keep the concept charmingly British; Ginger and White is one that does. Tucked into a quiet side street, light floods in its cosy interior, well furnished with comfortable leatherette sofas and rustic tables.

Apart from its passion for excellent coffee, Ginger and White has some excellent cooking on offer that speaks of high quality ingredients, sourced from farmer's market and artisan producers of Britain, used to create perfected dishes. For breakfast expect soft boiled free range eggs with marmite and Hot Wick's Manor bacon butty with spicy tomato ketchup in a white bap. A good variety of sarnies and salads are to hand as is a range of bakes that include the likes of mini chocolate cup cakes, lemon drizzle loaf and the classic Victoria sponge.

Maison Blanc was originally founded in 1979 by Raymond and Jenny Blanc. The Blancs set out to produce real French bread for their restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons and achieved this by importing French flour to guarantee authentic flavour, texture and quality. The range of products expanded to include viennoiserie, savouries and famously, pâtisserie. The first traditional Boulangerie - Pâtisserie - Chocolaterie was opened in Oxford where it continues to thrive today.

St John's Wood was the first London shop to incorporate a sophisticated Salon de Thé. It opened in 1997 and is situated on the High Street. The shop allows customers to linger longer after their continental breakfast, lunch time savouries or afternoon pâtisserie. Just around the corner from Lords, it is the perfect place for cricket teas.

Maison Blanc now also has 12 other branches in London and the South East.