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hand picked restaurants

The lively La Tasca chain caters for parties, children's events and family gatherings in addition to anytime dining. These restaurants capture well the warm and vibrant spirit of Spain, and are best known for their tapas and traditional paellas.

Their star player is tapas, which can be had solo or in tandem with a meal. The calamares andaluza, deep-fried squid rings, served with roasted garlic mayonnaise and lemon, is great for sharing, while the chorizo frito al vino, spicy Spanish sausage flavoured with paprika, garlic and herbs, sautéed in red wine, offers a real treat. Chicken lovers order alitas de pollo, marinated chicken wings, or have skewers of chicken breast and pepper, marinated in paprika.

Valenciana is an interesting paella that combines seafood with chicken, and if you have a taste for trivia, you may be surprised to learn that 'la paella' actually refers to the utensil in which the dish is cooked.

Other than liqueurs and beer, there are wines from Spanish vineyards and sparkling cava. All of these, especially the dry rosé wines combine well with tapas. And you would be really getting into the spirit of things if you rounded off with the crema Catalana, traditional Spanish-style vanilla custard, topped with caramelised sugar.

La Tasca Spanish Tapas Restaurants and Bars today have over sixty outlets across the UK, so it is odds on there is a branch fairly close to your home.

Mango Tree's vibrant, feng-shui designed interiors along with an authentic Thai cuisine selection offer guests an enjoyably authentic slice of Thailand. Located in the well-heeled environs of Grosvenor Place, diners can choose from the restaurant's carefully concocted menu which encompasses dishes from the country's four main regions.
 
With a variety of hot and spicy, rich and mild or Chinese influenced dishes, you could begin with the intriguing betel nut leaves filled with peanut, lime, ginger, chilli , toasted coconut and dried shrimp and served with sweet tamarind sauce or the more familiar barbequed pork with cucumber and Thai nam jim sauce. The Mango Tree platter offers an assortment of satay, fish cake, spring rolls and spicy green papaya salad. For the main course try roasted marinated lamb saddle with mushrooms, kow choi and nam jim sauce, yellow curry with monkfish and butterfish or stir fried sirloin beef fillet with ginger, garlic and spicy soy sauce. A 'royal banquet' menu is best for sharing while vegetarians can look forward to a separate selection.

Signature desserts of honey mango served with coconut milk and sticky rice or lychee and lime-flavoured cheesecake bring the meal to a delicious end.

Located in a Grade II listed Georgian heritage building in Westminster, Roux at Parliament Square offers a comfortable, exclusive, yet delightfully elegant dining experience. Very close to Parliament Square, this luxurious central London restaurant combines period features and modern furnishings. The same skilful blend of old and new is also displayed on a menu that revisits classic dishes with contemporary flavours whether combining pheasant with apple stuffed endive or hare with celeriac and pear. Sourcing seasonal produce of the highest quality, the food possesses a subtle flavour and taste.

As you would expect from the Michelin award winning chef, Michel Roux Jnr, the menu also bears a marked French influence with dishes of cassoulet of organic cod cheeks, chorizo, black beans, lemon and parsley or and roasted line caught sea bass, served with mushroom and black truffle purée, roast salsify, and sauternes velouté. Classic British beef is also given a modern makeover with a croustillant of salt brisket, served with bone marrow, red onion marmalade and roast Jerusalem artichoke.
 
A wine list featuring old and new world wines are at hand to accompany the meal.

Situated in a basement on the corner spot of St James's Street and Piccadilly is Aura, an exclusive members club, restaurant and bar. Treat yourself to one of the many cocktails on offer to get your evening off to a perfect start, before moving into the trendy dining area that smacks of both extravagance and minimalism and a suitably trendy clientele to match.

The modern European menu lists starters of foie gras parfait with brioche, mango duck spring roll with a sweet chilli dipping sauce and goats? cheese and water melon salad with red onion marmalade. Main courses include teriyaki tuna on a lobster, spring onion and spinach mash, and Thai marinated corn fed chicken with rice and vegetable crudité salad. Edamame; with chilli salt and garlic and oyster glazed, wok-fried bok choi add a nice touch to the meal after which many diners drift back to the bar après dinner, to enjoy its great vibe and late licensing hours.

Started by Executive chef William Drabble, Seven Park Place is a fine dining restaurant within the St. James Hotel and club that serves modern French fare made primarily from British ingredients. The ambience is chic, comfortable and reflects a distinct retro-Parisian style with elaborate seating, fine dining and rich furnishings. The food is more of a formal affair, which is prepared from the best seasonal ingredients sourced from specialist suppliers found locally.

Dishes include apple and crème fraîche on a small square of smoked salmon; lobster ravioli; and pork rillettes together with assiette of veal - a beignet of the sweetbreads, little rounds of the loin, a rosy red piece of the tongue and well-cooked breasts of grouse.

Desserts include mint parfait with chocolate jelly and a variety of puddings which can be indulged in after the meal along with a variety of choices from the comprehensive wine list.

Located in the pillared halls of the original Lloyds Bank building, Green's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, after its phenomenal success at its St. James's site, has now opened at Cornhill in its own unique style. It has a splendid architecture marked by Corinthian columns and lofty ceilings along with a grand staircase that leads to the mezzanine floor occupied by three elegant dining rooms with spacious seating booths and a stylish bar.

Seasonal pickings define the menu and the likes of potted shrimps, chicken and duck liver parfait and pressed ham hock terrine feature. Amongst mains open lasagne of Totnes brie with spiced English grapes and mushrooms and wild halibut steak are both well worth your while. Smoked haddock Parker Bowles' is the signature dish at Green's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, named after Simon Parker Bowles, Green's founder.

Bring your meal to a close with a Damson Cambridge burnt cream with tuile biscuit or a chilled rice pudding mousse.