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Offering authentic Turkish cuisine in central London, Ozer on Langham Place is a well-appointed and elegant restaurant that mixes tradition with modernity. Sporting a stylish ambience with rich furnishings, the vibrant dining space offers patrons indoor as well as al fresco dining options. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, drawing inspiration from Ottoman Empire classics, using locally sourced and organic ingredients wherever possible. Just off bustling Regent Street, the venue is close to Oxford Circus Tube Station and BBC Broadcasting House on Portland Place.

The brainchild of acclaimed Chef Huseyin Ozer, the restaurant's extensive à la carte menu has something for everyone. It reflects his emphasis on healthy high quality options with genuine Turkish flavours. Light and fresh meze dishes include prawn tempura with cacik and pomegranate; salmon satay marinated in olive oil, soy sauce and herbs and served with cress; lahmazza, a traditional Turkish precursor to pizza with minced lamb and pine kernels; battered squid marinated in vodka or lamb's liver and red onions all make for a perfect beginning to the meal. Mixed platters and a variety of light dishes are also available.

For the main course, the seafood lover can choose between black cod marinated with white miso; mackerel fillet grilled and served with cress or spicy fish pot with a selection of fresh fish cooked in coconut cream and an onion and ginger based sauce and served with basmati rice. Vegetarians are well catered for with a range of choices that could include vegetarian moussaka; penne with rocket leaves and dolce latte cheese or spinach stew cooked with chickpeas and baby potatoes and served with basmati rice and yoghurt.

A variety of succulent meat dishes such as grilled lamb kidney served with potato puree; grilled beef sirloin steak served with potato wedges and cress; spicy meatball pot with chicken, lamb or beef meatballs cooked with red peppers, coconut cream, onion and spices and served with basmati rice or marinated chicken pieces, skewered and char grilled, will satisfy the committed carnivore. House specials of lamb tagine, kuzulu begendi, sautéed fillet of lamb with smoked aubergine caviar, or aubergine stuffed with minced beef, onions and herbs and served with basmati rice pamper the palate further.

A chef's special menu offers an assortment of twelve dishes per person. Guests can also choose from breakfast, lunch and pre-theatre menus.
 
Tempting traditional dessert of kunefe, a warm shredded pastry filled with cheese, pistachio and syrup; rice pudding enriched with coconut milk and garnished with almonds or su muhallebisi, cubes of milk pudding and rose syrup with berries and nuts, bring the meal to a delicious conclusion. Alternatively, choose chocolate torte with raspberry sorbet or crème brûlée with saffron to satisfy even the sweetest tooth.
 
The wine list offers a range of New and Old World wines including Turkish varieties and popular labels such as Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Piropo Pinot Blanc from Argentina, La Serre Cabernet Sauvignon from France and Branch Creek Shiraz from Australia.

More information can be found on their Website.

Established over 16 years ago and positioned in the heart of Theatreland, Palm Court Brasserie guarantees its reputation as one of Covent Garden's most established dining and drinking experiences with a stunning refurbishment and menu overhaul.

Opened by London restaurateur Brian Stein, it has been lovingly crafted to recreate a classically 1920's art nouveau environment. The intimate restaurant is perfectly suited for long, leisurely chats over a bottle of choice Chardonnay, or other choices from the vineyards of France, Italy and the New World, enhanced by a welcoming selection of dishes from the bar menu.

The walls are adorned with carefully selected images conducive to the art-deco feel and the eye is drawn to these by subtle use of varied lighting effects to create a subdued but cosseted ambience.

The beautiful, wrought-iron, centrally hung chandelier softly illuminates the surroundings and contrasts the failing, winter's light outside as the Covent Garden Piazza slides into nightfall. Palm Court Brasserie is an elegant time capsule and an oasis of sophisticated calm.

Palms absorb dishes by influence from Italian and French culture and gives them a traditionally British slant. The emphasis of Palm Court Brasserie cuisine is focused on light and healthy dishes representing an attractive fusion of the rustic and urban styles. Classic brasserie offerings such as steak frites and mussels cooked in white wine, garlic, parsley and cream, sit happily alongside pan-Mediterranean dishes including a seafood linguine of king prawns, clams with roma tomatoes, chilli and spinach, and grilled duck breast with dauphinoise potatoes, roasted vegetables and peppercorn sauce.

This 120-seater restaurant is ideal for couples or quieter mature groups who wish to enjoy a relaxing meal in casual, leisurely environment, either before or after the theatre. Guests may enjoy dining by the French windows commanding a view of the artists performing in the nearby Piazza.

Alternatively, the restaurant's rear suite with forty seats may be sealed off, creating an ideal atmosphere for guests who wish for complete privacy during a meeting, buffet or seated party. A range of menus is available, and you could find one to best suit you. More details are available on their Website.

Do note that they are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The Betjeman Arms at St Pancras Station is part of a small group of friendly, but individualistic pubs, which if you pressed me I would concede are probably gastropubs - reluctantly, because I am never quite sure what the term means.

The fight to preserve St Pancras Station is well catalogued, and it is very much to the credit of Sir John Betjeman that it stands today restored, reinvigorated and ready for the 21st century with a series of dining rooms, terraces and drinking spots to accommodate a range of customers, moods, events and offers.

The station terrace allows views of the arriving trains and a full length view of the truly spectacular Barlow shed. The Euston Road terrace makes the most of our limited English sunshine, under the façade of the gothic station and hotel.

Inside the high bar helps identify the weary traveller or local over a sea of faces, seeking a pint of ale in a handled glass. Through the bar are two dining rooms as well as a boardroom. The Kitchen dining room is reminiscent of the country kitchens of old and is ideal for a glass of wine and a quick bite to eat before heading under the Channel to foreign fields, whilst the main dining room is wonderfully grand without being imposing.

Betjeman Arms opens at 7.30am and serves breakfast until 11am. Naturally this includes the Full English, traditional fare for those away from home, the hungry, and some would say the wise. Scottish smoked salmon and scrambled eggs or a bacon sandwich with tomato chutney are also available, and for those who prefer the healthy option there is Greek yoghurt with granola and honey, or a fresh salad of seasonal fruit. Croissants, pain au chocolat and toasted buttered crumpets all help to revitalise the spirit, as well as the body. Sir John would have approved.

The all day menu kicks in at 11am with a good selection of gastro dishes, and seven starters could include a Welsh rabbit (or rarebit depending on your opinion), bubble and squeak with soft poached egg and smoked bacon or chicken liver and wild mushroom pate with rye toast. Some of these dishes make good light meals.

Main courses of beer battered fish and chips is served with crushed peas, 28 day aged Hereford rib eye steak has chips and béarnaise sauce for company, or head for the tuna steak with white beans and chorizo. More light meals of a ploughman's made with Cornish Yarg, pickles, bread and salad, or a salt beef sandwich with pickle and English mustard are available, before a look at the short but versatile puddings list where rhubarb crumble is served with fresh cream, or enjoy a deliciously moist treacle tart with crème fraiche.

The Betjeman and its siblings have not been slow to appeal to a discerning public, and their list of Awards from 1996 onwards demonstrates beyond doubt that here is a small group of pubs, wise enough to retain the Britishness of its houses to the obvious delight of its customers.

A fine modern European cuisine menu served in a stunning ambience makes the Fifth Floor Restaurant a destination of choice for good food aficionados. Housed on the top floor of Harvey Nichols iconic Knightsbridge branch, the restaurant's stunning interior draws inspiration from constructivist art of the early 20th century and is the perfect place in which to take a break during a day of shopping or sightseeing. You could also unwind at the stylish bar or smart café which boasts lovely views over West London.

Executive Chef Jonas Karlsson creates stunning menus featuring a selection of modern dishes, influenced by his passion for French cooking as well as by his home country, Sweden. He uses a selection of the best seasonal ingredients available from the Harvey Nichols Foodmarket.

Starters of Cornish crab salad with dressed crab, avocado salad and mango vinaigrette; marinated Dedham Vale beef; thinly sliced beef with toasted pine nuts, green beans and chive dressing and mosaic of wood pigeon; smoked quail and celeriac with tarragon cream make for a delicious beginning to the meal.

Main courses follow on perfectly with hearty dishes such as roast pork loin with winter cabbage, Agen prune and sage jus; roasted Highland venison with truffle macaroni with curly kale and sweet and sour game jus and Norwegian halibut with shellfish bolognaise bacon and parsley ravioli and red chard leaves.

The dessert menu will tempt diners with a sweet tooth who can choose from chocolate fondue, raspberry mille feuille with raspberry Chantilly or apricot and rhubarb sable tart with rice pudding surprise.

Alternatively, you could relax in the informal surroundings of the Fifth Floor café which offers its own menu through the day for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. For a hearty start to the day enjoy a classic full English breakfast with certified organic free range eggs, crispy smoked bacon, sausages, black pudding, beans and toast; fried eggs and chorizo or a healthy porridge with Scottish oats, drizzled Greek yoghurt and Harvey Nichols Heather Honey.

For lunch or dinner begin with starters of sea bass ceviche with chilli, mango and fresh herbs or grilled Mediterranean vegetables or share an antipasti selection with fennel salami, cured ham, carpaccio di Barolo, Noccellare olives and burrata, marinated artichokes and sundried tomatoes. Main course offerings could include wild boar pappardelle with fresh Italian egg pasta and slow cooked wild boar ragu or slow roasted Devon chicken with wild rice and shitake mushroom sauce.

Guests could also chill out at the chic champagne bar, inspired by Emile Gallé's iconic 1902 anemone design for the Cuvée Belle Époque Champagne bottle, while sampling luxurious vintage champagnes or a variety of botanically themed and calorie conscious cocktails.

The Fifth Floor offers diners a variety of interesting programmes including cocktail and wine master classes and a specially created five-course tasting menu. The restaurant's four separate areas can be hired individually or as a whole for private parties or corporate events.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.

Sofra, the small chain of inexpensive café restaurants, offers diners the opportunity to sample home style Turkish cooking, with an eclectic blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Oriental styles. Sofra has been successful in changing the view of many, who regard Turkish restaurants as nothing more than kebab shops.

Owner Huseyin Ozer who came to the UK from humble beginnings in Turkey, worked in kebab shops before opening his own restaurant. Several ministers and the then Turkish Ambassador would dine at this Mayfair restaurant, fortified with bullet-proof windows to receive these special guests. Ozer deserves credit for introducing Londoners to the delights of genuine Turkish cuisine.

The restaurant's mezze platter is known to give diners a small peek into many delicacies. Hot starters like humus kavurma, spiked with succulent, morsels of lamb and pine kernels, icli kofte, a great classic of the Middle East, deep-fried oval shells of pounded lamb, bulgur and flavourings filled with spiced mince and herbs or the börek platter, a selection of spinach, feta cheese and leek filo pastry parcels help set the stage. Cold starters include imam bayildi made of stewed aubergine, tomato and peppers and salmon sashimi.

For the mains, try the Sofra style lamb tagine, on the bone lamb, oven cooked with vegetable, almond and dry fruit, served with bulgur and lentil. If you're in the mood for seafood or fish, try the marinated Malaysian prawns served with silk route made with stir fried vegetables, rice and yoghurt. The chef's special salmon stew with onions and peppers, with Maris Piper potato puree is worthwhile too. The charcoal grill, dishes out delicious marinated chicken or lamb delights like the kulbasti or the house special of grilled mince on a bed of bread, fresh tomato sauce and yoghurt.

Red and white wines served by the glass include options from Turkey, among other wine making countries. The friendly waiters at Sofra help choose wines that go best with the food ordered. The cubes of milk pudding in rose syrup with berries and nuts are a combination of flavours and one must not leave Sofra without sampling this. Kazandibi, the caramel milk pudding with cinnamon powder and rose ice cream is another delightful choice. The knowledgeable and obliging staff make the experience at Sofra both special and memorable.

More information can be found on their Website.

Where can you find a genuine country pub in London with probably the largest garden in the capital Moreover, one that also benefits from an enclosed courtyard external bar following through to an open landscaped area, and finally, with a front terrace that can provide dining for 100 people. Search no further, as all you need to do is to journey out a little way from Central London to Hampstead and locate The Freemasons Arms, situated a stone's throw from The Heath.

In 2004 it was converted back to its former glory and has already taken its place as one of London's premier gastropubs. You should appreciate the smart interior, featuring open kitchens, stone fired ovens and log burning fires, offset by beautifully landscaped decking for al fresco dining, making a stunningly different experience to anywhere else that you could find in London.

The atmosphere at the Freemasons Arms is relaxed, friendly and informal, while the overall impression is of a pub which is comfortable, light and open.

How wonderful to find somewhere with two beautiful gardens, seating a total of two hundred people? Over the summer months you could meander the day away there enjoying fine food and chilled wines and beers, trying to forget about the worries of work; mind you, you would have probably got the sack at the end of it as you would have lost track of time!

To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, box baked Camembert with red onion jam and rustic bread and Greek mezze of taramasalata with red pepper hummus, tzatziki, feta and flatbreads.

Amongst the starters, there is freshly made soup, smoked mackerel pâté, seared pigeon breast, or a red onion tart. The salads - sorry, that should read 'leaves' - offer Persian chicken kebabs, fattoush salad, yoghurt and mint dressing, and for the seafood fiends some smoked trout, prawn, pancetta, horseradish dressing, watercress, spinach and baby potatoes.

These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; expect to find a classic Margherita of tomato, mozzarella, oregano and basil, another with pepperoni, chorizo, tomato and jalapeños. Pastas include rigatoni, pork, veal and oregano meatballs with arrabiata sauce, and smoked haddock risotto.

For the big event, there is always a fish of the day on request. The spit chicken with roast garlic, lemon, thyme, aioli and frites is worth trying too. The classic burger, which has risen from the confines of fast food chains, carves a niche for itself on the menu and comes with onion, gherkin, mustard mayo, cheese and bacon. For hearty eaters there is a five spice duck confit, or lamb rack with a spiced dukkah crust, char-grilled stuffed peppers and minted potatoes.

A wide range of supporting dishes includes Belgian frites and mayo, and cabbage, leeks and peas. Desserts are some of the best you'll encounter with apple and frangipane gallette and Cognac ice cream, and there is also a selection of local cheeses to set the buffs alight.

In the winter the two log fires welcome people looking for a calming oasis amongst the bustle of Hampstead. An interesting wine list as well as great beers all adds to the reputation of what must now be considered as one of London's finest pubs.

For their latest menu and much more information, visit their Website. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.

In the heart of the shopping capital of England, sandwiched between Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street, Browns Mayfair provides a welcome oasis from the stresses, some of them pleasantly self-inflicted, of London life.

In keeping with the tradition established by Browns when considering their restaurant sites, this beautifully converted Georgian tailors has a wealth of history, for those who spent their working days there were responsible for outfitting such dignitaries as Winston Churchill and Clem Atlee into a state of sartorial elegance, before Browns restored the building.

Lunch times are frantic as those working locally wine and dine with friends and clients, while the afternoons and evenings are a more relaxed affair as weary shoppers and ebullient theatre-goers meet for quality food and drink. In addition to the restaurant there is a separate cocktail-wine bar and private dining rooms for a more secluded event. Those who haven't been to Browns Mayfair are missing out on one of the area's classiest restaurants.

The weekends tend to be an oasis of calm by comparison as shoppers, tourists and local residents escape form the hectic bustle of the West End. Saturday has its own buzz as people meet for a spot of supper before going on to one of the many near-by theatres, or simply relax with friends over a cocktail and a bite to eat.

Browns is a classic English restaurant with a menu that has evolved rather than changed over the last thirty years. It offers a genuine value for money experience and can also cater for large parties with a more expansive budget. A plate of appetisers to share comes in vegetarian, seafood or Italian meat form, and there are thin and crisp flatbreads topped with such delights as prosciutto, chorizo, mozzarella and roasted peppers.

Starters cleverly re-invent some of the classic brasserie dishes; expect to find crab and avocado salad, baked Scottish langoustine with spinach, cream and Emmental, and a fine selection of freshly made soups depending on the day.

Fish dishes include salmon fillet marinated and baked in soy sauce, with shitake and button mushrooms served on a char-grilled pak choi. Mains take in beef and olive ragu in a tomato sauce tossed with pennette rigate, and tender roasted four bone rack of lamb with a red wine jus, sprouting broccoli and dauphinoise potatoes. Brioche bread and butter pudding and Pimms jelly with strawberry coulis and apple and fresh mint combine traditional with new classic, but the fact is that after years of experience in the field of what might be termed comfortable eating, Browns have it pretty well stitched up.

There is a full wine, cocktail and champagne list with the champagnes being particularly notable for their sensible pricing. For further information, including their full menu and details on private dining, visit their Website.

Everybody in London knows Browns. Whether they were first introduced whilst at university in Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton or Bristol, or they work near one in the City, Covent Garden or Canary Wharf, Browns has become very much part of the London scene.

The strengths of Browns have always been you know what you are going to get, attractive staff, straight forward food cooked well and excellent value wines and cocktails. However, as with any enterprise, no matter how good, time moves on, and Browns have given their restaurants a different look that has retained the best and added where necessary.

Browns opened up in Islington, on the Green and next door to Waterstones in a part of London, which has always had a cutting edge to it. In October 2004 a novel design was unveiled with a much more contemporary flavour including a lounge space at the front of restaurant that is equally appropriate for drinking or dining. The whole area now feels a great deal more comfortable whilst still retaining the original Browns style.

The bar is where the transformation is most obvious. The bar counter is now clad in pewter, which gives it the feel and look of Paris in the 1920s. The wine list is as diverse as ever and there are still the wonderful signature cocktails for all to try. There has also been the addition of some great draught beers such as Staropramen, Leffe, Erdinger and Amstel; perfect for the after work drinkers.

The back area of Browns is reserved for diners and is much more of a serene environment than it was before with pastel colours used to add a sense of warmth. The whole ambience is one of quality coupled with the thought that someone has spent a great deal of time and effort in creating a truly special feel.

The menu has been over-hauled to reflect all the design changes. It still has all the old favourites with some lighter options for those who don't need comfort food all the time. They all combine to provide a menu that suits all needs, whether it is a light lunch, afternoon tea or a pre-theatre meal. Thus, starters could include Scottish langoustine gratin with spinach, Emmental and cream served with crusty bread; pan seared Black Pearl scallops with a lemon and pea risotto and chilli butter dressing, or homemade soup of the day.

Moving down, the range of main courses include slowly braised pork with black pudding and crisped bacon served with mashed potato and sage gravy; slowly cooked shoulder of lamb with garlic and rosemary jus, sprouting broccoli, Chantenay carrots and mashed potato, or chicken schnitzel served with a poached egg and a tomato, onion and herb salad. Hard to resist are puddings such as poached pear with warm chocolate sauce and chocolate ice cream, and raspberry and chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream.

What Browns has always done so well is provide a place where you can enjoy yourself and nothing has changed there. If you are out shopping with the family, meeting friends for dinner, going out with colleagues for a drink after work leading on to a bite to eat, then Browns is a superb choice. The service is always friendly and efficient but unlike some other chains in Islington, Browns delivers the quality of food to back it up.

If you haven't been to Browns for a while then you really should give Browns Islington a go. My guess is you will be pleasantly surprised. Their Website will yield further information particularly on menus and opportunities for other social gatherings.

Situated in the heart of the West End, minutes from Covent Garden and Charing Cross underground station, this contemporary yet comfortable central London hotel can serve as your gateway to the Capital's best. Located off the main lobby, this expansive new Lounge Bar is an ideal place to conduct a discrete meeting or host a friendly get-together. Serving a wide range of coffees and teas, and with a well stocked bar, this popular meeting place is a welcoming spot for drinks and snacks throughout the day or for afternoon tea.

Short eats such as eggs benedict topped with hollandaise sauce gratin, toasted foccacia bread with Scottish smoked salmon and tossed ham and cheese sandwiches are popular among regulars. A business occasion may call for a discreet order of tortilla wraps with grilled breast of chicken and king prawns tempura. Desserts include homemade cheesecake and chocolate fondant.

The wine list is short but features an impressive assortment of red and white wines along with liqueurs.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.

The Montagu offers tranquil views over one of London's most picturesque gardens, yet provides a vibrant setting to relax and indulge in a wide range of modern British, seasonal dishes, all of which are prepared in a striking open kitchen. Located at the Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill - in Portman Square the restaurant prides itself on being a neighbourhood restaurant, which serves up a wide selection of wonderful, fresh dishes, with a mission to provide relaxed eating for all those whose lives bring them into contact with the hotel and its neighbourhood.

Awarded the prestigious Tea Guild's Award of Excellence 2010, The Montagu offers a full afternoon tea service from 3:00pm to 6:00pm which is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. The Montagu Afternoon Tea offers elegant tiered stands bearing a selection of traditionally British, thinly sliced finger sandwiches and warm fruit and plain scones with strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream. The Patissier's selection includes pretty French pastries and fruit tartlets and mini desserts. Also served is a fine selection of exquisite teas.

In homage to Sir Winston Churchill, The Montagu has just launched The Churchillian High Tea, the perfect Winter treat. Start with smoked salmon, potted shrimps served on toast with a drizzle of lemon juice, cheese on toast, and toasted crumpets with butter. Follow with hot favourites such as a warming vegetable consommé, a mini shepherd's pie and Sir Winston's beloved traditional tender roast beef with a Yorkshire pudding and horseradish sauce.

Puddings include treats such as treacle tart, fruit cake and sherry trifle. Sir Winston's love of French food is highlighted with delicious chocolate éclairs. This is served with a fine selection of exquisite teas, all of which reflect the unique and fine qualities of Sir Winston Churchill.

The Montagu's Chef's Table is a foodie experience with a 5-course menu, prepared and delivered by the chefs, right before your eyes. An extensive wine list offers 70 labels covering mix of New and Old World wines, with numerous selections available by the glass. Until December, enjoy the Chef's Table in collaboration with the iconic winery Cloudy Bay, pairing food and wine together for an unforgettable culinary experience.

For those with time to linger at lunch or having dinner, the choice is wide and focuses on ingredients that are in season. Try the court bouillon poached prawns with cocktail sauce and avocado, or the Dover sole with roasted potatoes and drizzled with lemon butter. Or for those who prefer something meatier, choose from a stunning beef tenderloin with bone marrow crust and braised shallots, or a herbed lamb rump with celeriac mash and glazed carrots.

And for pudding, it is difficult to resist The Montagu's tempting selection. Indulge in a plum crumble with red wine ice-cream and vanilla pod sauce, a spiced hot chocolate with caramelised homemade marshmallows, or a scrumptious sticky toffee and date pudding with toffee sauce and vanilla ice-cream.

The Montagu in some ways echoes the grand style of a gentleman's club but one that is shorn of its pomposity and sepulchral silence, instead they are replaced with jollity and laughter, a real fun place to be not least because of the quality of the food and surroundings, and providing a real lift to the area.

However, the best way to find out all about The Montagu and the Hyatt Regency Hotel - The Churchill, one of the most elegant in London, is to visit their Website.