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Occupying a beautifully restored Victorian property, Bistro du Vin on St. John Street in Clerkenwell offers a modern British cuisine menu in spacious comfortable interiors. The first stand alone restaurant from the successful Hotel du Vin group, Bistro du Vin is the perfect venue for a business lunch or a more intimate evening meal. Just a short walk from the Barbican Centre, the restaurant is also close to well-known landmarks such as Smithfield Market and a short walk from Farringdon Rail Station.

The restaurant can accommodate up to 100 diners with an additional 45 at the Bubble Bar which is open all day and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bistro du Vin offers fresh home grown produce 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.

The à la carte begins with a 'raw and cured' selection which includes Cornish rock oysters served with natural, shallot vinegar or Tabasco; Forman's London smoked salmon with crème fraiche and pumpernickel and matured Iberico bellota ham. There's also starters of grilled Cornish mackerel with fennel, soy and lime dressing; ham hock with parsley terrine and sauce gribiche and shrimp and avocado cocktail salad.

For the main course you could choose wild fillet of bream with parsnip purée and caramelized garlic; roast wood pigeon with boudin noir and sauce bourguignonne or braised blade of beef, onion and garlic purée. The state-of-the-art Josper Grill offers succulent onglet steak frites, bone in sirloin and grilled lobster served with fat cut chips and garlic butter. Daily specials could include confit duck cassoulet, rabbit à la moutarde, beef stroganoff and salmon coulibiac.

A tempting dessert selection indulges the sweet tooth with strawberry vacherin sundae, Belgian waffle with fresh strawberries and Valrhona chocolate sauce or a lighter lemon, ricotta and pine nut tart. An artisan cheese and charcuterie plate could be an equally delicious alternative. Guests can sample cheeses in a cheese room before ordering their plate.

Bistro du Vin offers a comprehensive selection of 200 premium whites and reds from all round the world. 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. Wine tastings and wine dinners for connoisseurs are regular events here.

Diners can also refresh the palate with aperitifs of Rhubarb Kir, Miller's Gin and Tonic and Classic Bellini at the bar, which also stocks a selection of beers and spirits.

Bistro du Vin also offers well-appointed cosy private dining rooms that are perfect for a birthday party, family dinner or business meeting.

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

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.

Inspired by the Chicago Palm restaurant in America, Christopher's is housed in a grand, Grade II listed Victorian building in the heart of Theatre land in Covent Garden.

Since December 1991 this famous American Bar and Grill has been serving fantastic quality steaks and lobster, previously largely unavailable in London. Christopher's quickly became one of the capital's most opulent restaurants, resplendent over 3 floors, and though the concept has since been adapted to take into account changing tastes and fashions, it remains faithful to the original theme.

On the ground floor, the fully Wi-Fi enabled Martini Bar is cool and stylish with an extensive cocktail list with over 25 scintillating martinis from which to choose. Luxurious booths lining one side of the bar invite you to settle in for the evening.

At the top of the sweeping stone spiral staircase lies Christopher's large and elegant dining room, with extensive views over Waterloo Bridge. Strong colours and soft lighting complement the high ceilings and beautiful original features of the building. The exclusive private dining room on the lower ground floor, offers a fantastic venue for many different occasions including receptions, meetings, corporate dining and parties.

An à la carte menu bears the brunt of this restaurant's popularity, with their famous 28oz prime rib chop for two; grilled Maine lobster with garlic butter or cobb salad and mango chilli salsa; slow-cooked belly pork with Boston baked beans, feta and celeriac slaw, and blackened salmon with jambalaya risotto and cress salad, as eye-catching menu leaders. Christopher's ensures all of their fish are caught from sustainable sources.

Amongst the delights on the dessert menu expect to find baked New York cheesecake with blueberry compote, pecan maple tart with vanilla ice cream, and some very interesting regional cheeses.

Christopher's is the perfect place to eat or drink before a show. The theatre menu served from Monday to Saturday between 5pm to 7pm and10pm to 11.30pm (£16.95 for 2 courses or £21.50 for 3) represents great value for money.

Weekends at Christopher's are agreeably relaxed. A traditional American style brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 3.30pm and includes classics such as Eggs Benedict, a Texas Grill, or scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, as well as traditional dishes of buttermilk pancakes with maple cured bacon and warm maple syrup.

For more information or to see Christopher's menus, visit their Website.

In the strikingly elegant and historical former site of Bank of New York in the City of London, Prism Restaurant promises stylish surroundings along with quality Modern British food and service. Restored by architects Lifschutz Davidson back to its former glory with all its original 1920s architectural features carefully replaced, the airy banking hall provides a distinctive 10,000 square-foot space on three levels - lower ground, ground and mezzanine - which have been transformed into a bar, 120 cover restaurant with conservatory and private dining rooms.

The 120 cover dining area is split into two spaces; the main restaurant with its classical columns and towering windows and a light-filled conservatory dining room. Furniture and fittings reflect Harvey Nichols's chic image with classic Mies van Rohe 1930 'Brno' chairs in brilliant red leather and American walnut waiter stations and exclusively designed serving trolleys and wine coolers.

Located in the City, Prism attracts a largely business crowd at lunch tempted by the good food, discreetly spaced tables and slick service. The menu is Modern British with an extensive menu featuring the best of British produce. Divided into sections such as "Small Picks", "Something Potted", "Salads and Starters", "Grills and Main Courses" there is the option to have a full blown meal, or graze on lighter dishes. There is a fantastic selection of meat, sourced from the wonderful Ginger Pig, with the speciaility being two types of steak that have been aged for 50 days. The Head Chef, Dan Sherlock is a passionate gardener, bringing in produce from his own allotment, and also growing tomatoes on the roof of the restaurant in the Summer.

In the evenings, there are frequent special menus, with great deals to be had by booking on-line. There is live music on Thurdays and Fridays, and upcoming weekly cabaret events.

Champagne Breakfast receptions can be arranged to start off a special day on the right note.

Prism Bar: The bar is situated below ground where once stood the bank vaults. Here Harvey Nichols has created a contemporary space with an accent on luxury with polished, reclaimed Maninga floors, Kavasinga panelling and leather bar linings.

Once again the furniture has been carefully chosen to inspire an elegant atmosphere. The 'Single' bar stools are by French designer Christophe Pillet and the oyster coloured leather rolled banquette designed by Lifschutz Davidson is flanked by serried ranks of low 'Bob' stools. A lunch time menu showcases simple and classic options where you might face a dilemma in choosing between a homemade short crust chicken and mushroom pie with mashed potatoes, Cornish pollock with chips, peas and tartare sauce or a Thai prawn curry with jasmine rice. The bar can be hired exclusively, accommodating a maximum of 80 guests for a drinks reception.

Private Dining Rooms: Prism has two private dining rooms; the Mezzanine seating up to 55 guests and the Library seating up to 24 guests. The Mezzanine is located on the first floor of Prism and is perfect for private dining, meetings or as a reception venue. It is a dual aspect room with an amazing view of both the Main Restaurant and Leadenhall Market.

The Library is situated on the ground, at the rear of the restaurant. It is perfect for small intimate lunches/dinners and meetings. Its style is reminiscent of a small gentleman's club, retaining many of its original features including the ornate ceiling and fireplace.

Prism also has a wedding licence, and is available for private hire at weekends.

For further information, please visit the Harvey Nichols Website.

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 London's best. Housed within is Johnstons Brasserie, a stylish, open-plan restaurant, with Mediterranean tones and décor, which is perfect for all occasions - a quick snack with friends before a show, a casual business dinner, or a candlelit romantic supper for two. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea with a selection of various coffees, teas, scones, sandwiches and cakes.

For light bites before a show order king prawn salad with a chilli dressing and homemade ravioli with wild mushroom and asparagus. The main course section of the menu contains options for meat eaters as well as vegetarians and includes pan fried corn fed chicken breast and salmon, cod and haddock fish cake. For dessert explore choices such as apple cinnamon and sultana crumble and a delightfully fresh vanilla crème brûlée.

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.

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.

Ever wondered why pubs are named after a person of nobility? Whilst pondering on that question one may feel there is a valiant individual who truly deserves to have a pub named after him, Henry Paget, The Marquess of Anglesey. But perhaps his exploits may not evoke much interest in the minds of diners who have plenty of catching up to do with theatre news, since the Royal Opera House is located just opposite, or rugby matches playing on the stretched screen.

The restaurant upstairs serves a medley of classic British dishes that include specials like the famous chicken pie, Wiltshire ham, poached eggs and chips, or pan-fried liver and bacon. Sandwiches seem to be more of a default dish while at a pub, and here's every reason to do so with fillings like hand carved British ham salad or sausage with caramelised onions.

Mr Young's products are much in evidence, so expect to find an exciting selection of wines, beers and cocktails.

The Marquess of Anglesey is a comfortable, welcoming pub and enjoys an enviable location, providing an ideal pit-stop for shoppers, theatregoers and those out working or sightseeing who can stop and enjoy a quick drink or a leisurely meal.

The upstairs restaurant is warm and airy, with an express lunch menu and an easygoing à la carte of classics such as macaroni cheese, gourmet burgers, rib-eye steaks and homemade pies.

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

Bradley's is a fine place to suggest for romantic dining. It's off the beaten track location will suggest a superb culinary knowledge to your date, whilst the food will ensure the evening is a great success even if your choice of date isn't. The modern British menu lists the likes of pan-fried scallops with crab risotto and roasted monkfish with braised split yellow peas with crispy pancetta. Full on desserts such a sticky date and ginger pudding are perfect for sharing, enjoy!

They also offer some excellent value for money with their Set Menus, at Lunch from Monday to Saturday for only £12.50 for 2 courses to £16.50, whilst on Sunday it is £18 to £24 (including wine), and their early evening dinner is a similar bargain at £12.50 for two courses.

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

In 2005 Bentley's was given a boot up, and who better to do it than Richard Corrigan, whose commitment to using high quality ingredients is seeing to it that Bentley's never has a chance to look back. The result is a tonic for those seeking eating out opportunities in the West End, of which to be sure there is no current lack. The best bits of the former Bentley's still shine through, with the free and easy oyster bar downstairs, with the traditional red leather, marble and brass, and the only slightly more formal restaurant above it, which sports some rather classy wallpaper and wooden panelling.

The menu is an almost total delight, with starters from amongst a good choice, of Swedish-style cured salmon, a hot oyster and bacon salad as well as the more traditional oysters on ice. A main course of whole Dover sole, or haddock poached in butter with white beans, not forgetting the action-packed fish pie or monkfish wrapped in cep duxelles and pastry all go to make the Bentley's a place that is well back on the road to former almost forgotten glories.

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