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The wonder of Indian food has taken Britain by storm over the past two decades, to the point where it is a serious rival to other ethnic cuisines. Considering curry was originally created for the British in India this a slightly ironic twist to events, but it could explain why every self respecting town, and many villages now have their own Indian restaurant, and the phrase 'nipping down for an Indian' has taken on a significance that excites the taste buds like crazy.

So no surprise at all to find that South Woodford, historically part of Essex, and located where the North Circular Road starts some kind of uneasy relationship with the M11, hosts one of the best Indian restaurants since 1996, Bhangra Beat. The driving force behind it is Shamim Ahmed Khan, whose aim is to offer excellent food and value for money, if not exactly on the same plate at least in close relationship to each other. Shamim pioneered balti-style cooking in London with his Streatham restaurant of the same name back in 1993, since then he has pursued his passion for food with developing flavours and presenting specialties from various regions of the Indian sub-continent

The décor is a cool setting of gentle colours, with sparkling wooden floors, spotless table settings and gives an overall impression of solid comfort and creates the right mood. On Saturday nights live music and classic Bollywood songs from the 70s and 80s bring some of the best entertainment in London to the restaurant, giving a special lift without shifting the balance of pleasure from the table. Shamim has not been slow to recognise the take-away, and the quality of their meals to take home is superb in every detail. They offer free delivery to the following postcodes: E11, E18, IG4, IG5, IG7 and IG8.

The menu features delicious and unusual starters such as sabji kofta, spicy deep fried vegetable dumplings, and king prawn pepper fry cooked with butter and lots of black pepper. The selection of kebabs is enticing with lemon flavoured shelled king prawns leading the way followed by tandoori chicken, lamb, paneer and duck tikkas.

Curry lovers will find a whole new range of delicacies such as Bengal fish curry stewed in a lemon flavoured sauce; malabari lamb stir-fried with crushed chillies; Cochin chicken in a heavy mix of spices, tomato, mint and coriander; mint chicken, and a whole range of balti dishes. Vindaloo, korma and jalfrezi, well loved favourites, are also present alongside mango chicken, while the speciality would no doubt be the Rajasthan influenced lal jhal, which has chicken tikka with chopped ingredients and spices.

Lifelong carnivores may find that some of Bhangra's vegetarian dishes are worth more than passing consideration. The spicy, hot saag aloo relies on spinach and potatoes to create a distinct flavour while the sabji malai korma balti has an assortment of vegetables for a light and pleasing taste.

Reliability in any restaurant is a cardinal virtue, particularly where a cuisine other than one's own is concerned. The host of compliments received from both regular and new customers at Bhangra is a sure indication this has been achieved.

Find out more by a clicking on their straightforward Website.

Famed for much of its existence for being the liberal left's favourite haunt to catch up on goulash and political gossip, The Gay Hussar has seen the likes of Aneurin Bevan, Michael Foot and Tom Driberg, Labour's old guard, stopping by regularly along with a clutch of journalists, artists and socialites. Named after Hungarian light cavalry, the restaurant was established in 1953 by Victor Sassie and continues to hold fort in Greek Street as a bastion of traditional Hungarian cooking. While no longer the venue for political skulduggery, it still serves hearty portions of many old favourites though the menu has been given a lighter touch.

Guests can experience its unique atmosphere in a cosy interior embellished with signed caricatures of politicians, by cartoonist Martin Rowson, looking down from the walls and book shelves stacked with political first editions. Relax and unwind in comfortable banquette seating in a dark wood panelled setting, which makes no concessions to the vagaries of contemporary style, while considering ordering the restaurant's specialties - chilled wild cherry soup, pressed boar's head or veal goulash with small dumplings. 
 
Alternatively, dinner could begin with dishes such as fresh asparagus and bacon salad, marinated fillet of herring with soured cream or debreceni kolbász, smoked Hungarian sausage. Mains options include grilled sea bass with leek and potato cake, crispy roast duck with potatoes, red cabbage and apple sauce, pan fried pork fillet with diced potatoes, bacon and garlic and smoked breast of goose with sólet and red cabbage. Round off the satisfying meal with delightful desserts of walnut pancakes with chocolate sauce, poppy seed strudel with vanilla ice cream or dobos torta, layered gâteau with caramel top.

The lunch menu offers great value and costs £19 for two courses and £22 for three courses. It features starters of fish terrine with beetroot sauce and cucumber salad, goose and pork pâté, mixed Hungarian salami and fish dumplings in creamy dill and mushroom sauce. For the main course, there's choice of chicken in a creamy paprika sauce and galuska, veal wiener schnitzel with sauté potatoes and pepper salad or medallions of pork fillet with bacon, onions and paprika.

Vegetarians can look forward to such dishes as fried mushrooms with tartare sauce vegetarian goulash, stuffed peppers, spinach pancakes, sweet pepper salad and galuska, thimble egg dumplings.
 
The Gay Hussar's convenient location in the heart of Theatreland makes it a natural stop for a pre theatre dinner. It offers theatregoers a 20 per cent discount on its à la carte menu if tables are vacated by 7.30 p.m. An extensive selection of fine Hungarian red and white wines, including Badacsonyi Riesling and Villányi Cabernet Sauvignon, Tokaji dessert wine, liqueurs, sparkling wine and champagne complements the meal perfectly.
 
Two private rooms, known to have held many a secret meeting, are available for meetings or private dining. You can even book the whole venue, spread over three floors, for exclusive use for groups of up to 120 people. The Gay Hussar is open from 12.15 pm. Monday to Saturday. Click on their Website for further information.

Located in Horner Lane at Old Spitalfields Market, this latest addition to the Fire & Stone portfolio brings "deliciously different pizzas" into the heart of the City of London. Whilst the regular inhabitants of the area may be having to work harder these days they still have to eat and Fire & Stone are part of the pattern that has seen some of London's finest restaurants moving into the City.

Some years ago I lunched at the Covent Garden Fire & Stone with a colleague and quickly realised that here was a restaurant that meant business. Their claim to be a 'hip' place to eat was no idle boast then, nor is it now. A simple but highly efficient service ensures that bookings can be made with ease wherever you are.

But should time be precious the Fire & Stone takeaway service will make the most of what little you have. The same care and attention that goes into their other menus is applied to the substantial takeaway version that draws on ideas from an international spectrum. If time is money Fire & Stone takeaways are on your side.

Frankly all this rushing about really isn't good for you. Give yourself a break at lunchtime and take a close look at the lunch meal deal. Book in advance and choose any pizza, pasta or salad from the set menu, currently for £4.95. Choose from amongst such delights as the Marrakech with cumin spiced ground lamb, mozzarella, mint yoghurt sauce, green olives, raisins and sliced onion drizzle with chilli oil, or the Acapulco with slow cooked ground chilli beef, Fire & Stone's tomato sauce, jalapenos, mozzarella, sliced red onions, topped with sour cream and guacamole.

For a modest extra indulgence there's the Peking, with Chinese Hoi Sin sauce, shredded aromatic duck, mozzarella and spring onions topped with cucumber ribbons, or you can go green with barrel aged feta, sliced red and green peppers, cucumber, jumbo green olives, red onion, oregano, vine tomatoes and red wine vinaigrette. From which you will note that Fire & Stone spare neither imagination nor scope.

On the main menu consider the myriad choices drawn from five continents preceded by starters that take in a range of dips, sharing boards, calamari, crispy wonton king prawns to name but a few. Their new thin bases still have the same great flavours, homemade sauces and chutneys that top the Original base, but are bigger and crisper. Salads of each and every sort abound. A range of toppings helps in adding individuality to your pizza or you may prefer to head for the pasta choices that include their renowned spicy sausage Rigatoni.

In these difficult times the number of special offers increases and Fire & Stone have that one taped too. Amongst them are the Pizza Passport, so that each time you buy one of their unique pizzas up to six you collect a stamp that then entitles you to your seventh pizza free The best way to keep abreast of these and other offers is to sign up for their Newsletter, or check up on their Website where offers like Friends Eat Free, 2 pizzas for £10, and Kids Eat Free, are frequently to be found.

You want to eat; Fire & Stone want to help you do that as economically and enjoyably as possible.  It's really that simple. Buon appetito!

The first thing that strikes you when you step in to Terminal 3's Three Bells is the four-storey high atrium and the stunning bar. The dining area with its fascinating colour schemes could delight even the most jaded of travellers and tourists could make a quick mental note of London's famous attractions portrayed in the constantly changing slide show.

The all day menu displays starters of crisp fried whitebait with tartar sauce and chicken liver pâté with toasted sourdough and chutney. This could be followed by roast pork and leek sausages with buttered mash and red wine sauce, or lamb curry with basmati rice and black forest gateau for dessert. If you happen to come along for breakfast there's the full English, or freshly baked croissant and toasted English muffins from the bakery.

A John Clevely crafted wine list has done away with dull titles instead we have warm hearted reds, Chardonnay lovers and friends and southern hemisphere.

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

At the very heart of the South Bank, next to Blackfriars Bridge, lies Oxo Tower Wharf. Built as a power station for the GPO, the Wharf, has housed many businesses over the years, but most notably was home to the Oxo cube in the 1930s. The landmark tower, which 'subtly' advertised the product in its art deco windows, was built to get round an advertising ban imposed by the LCC.

Oxo Tower Brasserie is situated on the eighth floor of the Tower occupying part of the 12,500 square feet it shares with the restaurant, with the tower acting as a natural focus dividing the space into two equal halves. To the east lies the Restaurant and to the west the Bar and Brasserie. Both spaces are linked by a spectacular 250-foot terrace, which offers some of the most breathtaking views in London.

The Restaurant Bar and Brasserie was designed by award winning architects Lifschutz Davidson, who are no strangers to the South Bank, with local housing and office projects to their credit. The design incorporates sleek, natural materials but remains influenced by the art deco style of the building and the presence of the river.

A set menu is amongst those available in the Brasserie, starting with grilled merguez sausages, hummus and cucumber pickle, followed by Sumac spiced chicken skewer, fattoush salad, cucumber tahini tzatziki. Desserts include chocolate brownie with milk chocolate mousse and butterscotch popcorn. To give a lift before setting off for the theatre, say, a choice from three non-alcoholic vitality boosters can be invoked, with perhaps the oriental chill; crushed lychees, fresh limejuice and coconut charged with organic ginger beer, infused with Guarana extract.

A recent addition to the offering in the Brasserie is the 'Not Afternoon Tea'. A fabulously indulgent and quirky alternative to a traditional afternoon tea, this menu offers a selection of dessert tasting plates, each expertly matched with a cocktail mixed by the expert bartenders. A treat not to be missed, 'Not Afternoon Tea' is served daily between 3:15 and 5:15pm.

Head Chef Deon Jansen's menu features a mixture of global influences including Mediterranean and pan-Asian style dishes. Dishes on offer include Japanese beef carpaccio with teriyaki onions, shimeji mushrooms and wasabi mayonnaise, and buffalo mozzarella with caponata, marinated artichoke, pesto and toasted focaccia. For main course try the Korean barbequed pork belly, shitake mushroom stir-fried noodles and kimchi, or sea bass, fresh Devon crab and potato stuffed piquillo peppers, asparagus, broad beans and salsa Verde.

Separate menus cover lunch and dinner, and whilst there is some overlap between dishes on the other brasserie menus, more often than not subtle variations maintain interest as well as exhibiting the skills at work over the stoves.

In the evening live music, with a common love of jazz attracts not only gifted musicians, who find the atmosphere a vitalising element in their playing, but an enthusiastic audience to enjoy it. Sunday evening gains special attention from those who like a mellow setting of the sort created by a female vocalist and piano accompaniment.

For further details click through to the Harvey Nichols Website and get the whole story.

The Elgin Food Pub and Music House is described as a gastropub for Notting Hillbillies, a play on where it is in North Kensington; with its very own Gin Palace that has 22 gins to tickle your fancy, the mood is loungeability against a background of relaxing music, comfy sofas and a mix and match décor.

It is brought to you by Geronimo Inns, who are the people that have proved if you stop bothering about your more self-expressive inclinations and give the customers what they want instead, you can open revitalised pubs and stay afloat provided you create a warm home from home atmosphere where real food at affordable prices is available seven days a week.

Front of house offers major bay windows; look out and you might see Hugh Grant looking in. More to the back is the 70 cover music room which will also accommodate larger groups, and offers regular live accoustic music sessions. 'If music be the food of love, play on' ,said Shakespeare and what is aptly described elsewhere as 'the weird and wacky world of W11', whose domain this is, does not disagree.

In such circumstances lunch is not a meal, but a staging post long the road to survival for something a touch grander in the evening. So look for basics such as Oxfordshire bread with Netherend farm butter. Soup of course, or some roasted beetroot and Cashel with a Blue cheese salad perhaps. For the desperate there's fish and chips with tartar sauce and mushy peas, or The Elgin's Caesar salad in which anchovies are an item. But if you missed breakfast there's bangers and mash, or a very cool beefburger with bacon, cheese, relish and chips

The evening brings a stirring amongst the smart houses of W11, still worth colossal sums of money, and it's down to the pub time for maybe a game of dominoes or bar billiards over a pint or so of some succulent brew, before moving on to a few of John Clevely's well chosen wines as the world moves from red to blue through green, which is not meant to be a political statement.

A spot of roulade of smoked salmon and salmon mousse with yoghurt-dill dressing, or devilled lambs kidneys and yellow split pea dhal sets the stage for a Yorkshire venison casserole and parsnip puree, or a rump steak with skinny chips and bourguignon sauce. The Elgin fishcakes arrive at table accompanied by spinach, a poached egg and warm tartare sauce.

But for sheer indulgence times two, share a 22oz Scottish T-Bone steak with two kinds of chips, a mixed salad and green peppercorn sauce. Desserts to follow may or may not be just, but honey, thyme and yoghurt parfait with roasted fig seems to me the sort of dish that will nestle up well with almost anything.

Beyond a degree of excellence nothing stays the same for too long at The Elgin with the food. So check on their Website for specialities, as well as great music from aspiring and established musicians alike.

Located at Exchange Place on Appold Street, The White Horse is minutes away from Moorgate Tube Station and Liverpool Street Rail Station. In the heart of London's financial district, and just a short walk from the Barbican Centre, The White Horse offers a cosy British pub ambience with a stylish blend of contemporary and rustic décor that mixes classic leather armchairs with rugged work benches. A secluded terrace is perfect for al fresco dining in warmer weather. Guests can select from an international cuisine menu which includes signature versions of classic pub favourites.
 
Breakfast is served Monday to Friday from 7.30 am and offers choice that ranges from continental pastries including croissant, pan au chocolate and muffins, or a more substantial bowl of Scotch porridge. Other choices include eggs Benedict, toasted crumpets with butter, and smoked salmon and scrambled egg on toast all accompanied by breakfast tea, cappuccino, espresso, hot chocolate or a range of soft drinks. For something more substantial try the Full City Breakfast.

A meal from the a la carte menu could begin with starters of smoked salmon served with artichoke salsa and brown bread; Cromer crab on toast with poached egg and horseradish hollandaise; or blue cheese and spinach tart with mixed leaves. Follow with main course of the White Horse cheese burger with hand cut chips and relish; pearl barley risotto with wild mushroom and pumpkin; roast salmon with herb crust, creamed leeks, cabbage and new potatoes or roast Norfolk chicken with warm salad of new potatoes and bacon. Don't miss perennial pub favourites of haddock and chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce, Cumberland sausages with mash and onion gravy, beef and Guinness pie with creamy mash and roast carrots and rib eye on the bone with béarnaise, bone marrow and hand cut chips.

The pub also serves a choice of sandwiches on crusty bloomer or wholemeal bread includes chicken and bacon, West Country cheddar cheese and Branston pickle and crayfish and prawn wrap with Marie Rose sauce. For a quick lunch try the plat rapides which offers two or three courses served together on one large slate such as the Fishmongers board which includes market fresh Valley farm smoked salmon, smoked mackerel pate, shell on prawns, home-made fish fingers and luxurious Jersey rock oysters.

Alternatively chill out at the smart bar with your favourite drink in hand and a range of tasty snacks such as pork pie, raw vegetables with flat bread and hummus, cold roast chicken, salt and pepper squid or artichokes on toast.

The globally representative wine list includes fine examples of champagne and sparkling, whites and reds including Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Le Coq Rouge, Terres du Sud Grenache, Côtes-du-Rhône and Veuve Clicquot. There's also a selection of real ales, bottled beers, spirits and liqueurs.

The White Horse is available for private hire, be it a wedding reception, birthday party or corporate event, on a Saturday or Sunday for up to 80 seated or 180 standing guests. It's also available for group dinners and drinks bookings Monday to Friday.

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

Browns St Martins Lane is situated in the heart of London's West End and theatre-land and just a stone's throw from the renowned shopping district of Covent Garden. A dozen theatres, cinemas and the bright lights of Leicester Square are located within a hundred yards of its doors.

The first Browns opened for business in Brighton in 1973. Based on the colonial style brassiere of the early 20th century, this 21st century version of the genre traditionally occupies historic buildings of interest, with high ceilings, sweeping fans, beautiful wooden floors and luscious palms, and Browns in Covent Garden is no exception. Its style is all about casual elegance where guests come to relax with friends in a calming bustle.

The building was converted in 1995 from the original Westminster County Court, and now houses a superb restaurant on its ground floor, famous for its pre and post theatre buzz, for which there is an excellent menu available offering two courses from 5pm to 6.30 and 9.30 to 10.30pm, and its ability to cope with large parties.

The main restaurant area also houses a spectacularly long bar serving fantastic wines, beers and cocktails with some of the best value champagne in London; the bar area of the brasserie has had a facelift and has been extended with the addition of a champagne bar and mini grand piano. Relax with an award winning Bloody Mary and digest your paper among the palms, or enjoy a drink with friends and colleagues.

Alternatively, improve the hour with their Hendricks's and elderflower Collins, a classic mojito or if driving is an issue there's always an organic farm pressed juice. If it isn't follow the trend, 'most popular at-home long drink', a glass of cyder, this one from Aspall's in Suffolk Continental beers and lagers include Leffe Blonde from Belgium and German Clausthaler.

Upstairs Browns St Martins Lane boasts two of the original Courtrooms still with the trappings of the judicial process, including benches and judges chairs, which are available for private hire for up to 200 people. Whether it be for a special dinner, company presentation, conference or even a wedding, a great menu and service to match can be tailored to suit all requirements.

The success of Browns restaurants is based on the service of freshly prepared food and drink delivered by impressive and apparently well-trained staff in a bustling and thriving atmosphere.

Their menu offers a formidable selection of starters including half a dozen fresh oysters, crab and avocado salad, and grilled goat?s cheese while main courses tend to stray towards salads, pastas as well as some more traditional grilled and roasted dishes such as steaks and roasted rack of lamb. Chicken schnitzel with poached egg, tomato, onion and herb salad or the slow braised pork with black pudding and crisped bacon are also excellent choices.

Choices amongst desserts include poached pear with warm chocolate sauce, Pimms jelly with strawberry coulis, profiteroles, a raspberry and chocolate brownie and sticky toffee pudding. Their cheesecakes are also legendary, with such choices as baked vanilla, banoffee or rum and raisin.

It is strongly recommended that large groups book in advance but otherwise tables are usually available even at busy times, when you might take advantage of the bar for a pre-dinner snifter. "It's where everyone goes and quite rightly so," said The Guardian.

For more information including details of menus and private dining in the Courtrooms, take a look at their excellent Website.

Located in the vibrant heart of Soho, Bistro du Vin on Dean Street offers a high quality modern British cuisine menu in stylish contemporary surroundings. The comfortable well-appointed interiors are dotted with pale olive leather banquettes and distressed oak tables. Individual touches such as antique deli items and signs give it a quirky charm of its own, making it just the place for a lively pre or post-theatre dinner with family and friends.

Bistro du Vin places great emphasis on using fresh home grown produce where possible, especially naturally reared and traditionally matured beef, pork and lamb from master butchers Donald Russell, organic shellfish from Maldon Oysters, high quality smoked salmon from Scotland, artisan bread from The Bread Factory and the best farmhouse artisan cheeses from La Cave à Fromage.

Starters of foie gras and chicken liver parfait, rabbit terrine with leek and hazelnut vinaigrette, coconut and cauliflower soup with curried scallops or Cornish rock oysters served with shallot vinaigrette, Tabasco and lemon whet the appetite. You could also try a cheese and charcuterie plate or Parma ham with fig and gorgonzola.

Follow with substantial mains of steak and oyster pie with pomme purée, pan fried black bream with pomme mousseline and roasted garlic or gnocchi with goat's cheese sauce and wild mushrooms. The choice of succulent steaks from the state-of-the-art Josper grill includes 250g Cumbrian rare breed rib eye, côte de b?uf, a 300g belted galloway sirloin or a 35-day aged long horn rump, all served with sauce of your choice and chips. There's also a selection of hot roasted shellfish including lobster, crayfish, razor clams, Queenie's scallops, oyster, crab and mussels.

The constantly daily specials could include enduring favourites of beef stroganoff with basmati rice, roast mallard with spiced poached pear and spinach and roast pork with fondant potato. A lounge menu is also available if you feel like a snack.

Round off the meal with decadent dessert of chocolate tart with crème Chantilly, strawberry vacherin sundae or Belgian waffle with fresh strawberries and Valrhona chocolate sauce. An artisan cheese and charcuterie plate could be an equally delicious alternative and guests are welcome to sample cheeses before ordering their plate.

Bistro du Vin offers a comprehensive global selection of 200 premium whites and reds including a Château Simone from Provence, a Casal Novo Godello from Spain and a Dominus from Napa Valley. A master sommelier is at hand to take you through the carefully compiled wine list. A 'wine by the glass card' allows you to sample as many wines as you would like before ordering a bottle. You could also look forward to regular wine tastings here.

Private dining options at Bistro du Vin include 'the meat cellar', a well-appointed fully glazed dining room which can seat upto eight guests and 'the whiskey snuggle' a cosy room which can seat up to 12 guests and comes with an original wood floor and 42-inch plasma TV.

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