London is well endowed with open spaces. The eight Royal Parks of London are former royal hunting grounds which are now open to the public. Green Park, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens form a green strand through the West End.

Regents Park is on the northern edge of central London, while Greenwich Park, Bushy Park, and Richmond Park are in the suburbs. Many of the smaller green spaces in central London are garden squares which were built for the private use of the residents of the fashionable districts, but in some cases are now open to the public.

Most of London’s council-owned parks were developed between the mid 19th century and the Second World War. Examples include Victoria Park, Alexandra Park and Battersea Park.

Some of the other major open spaces in the suburbs, such as Hampstead Heath, Wimbledon Common and Epping Forest have a more informal, semi-natural character. The leading paid entrance garden in London is the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew. Hampton Court Palace also has a celebrated garden.

London is rightly famed for its cultural qualities and when you wander around some of the diverse galleries on offer you’ll see why. From the mainstream to the underground, the dirvesity of shows on offer never fails to impress. Beneath we’ve listed some of galleries where you guaranteed a good show, but the answer probably lies in purchasing a copy of Time Out from a newsagent in the week you intend to go.

Whats hot? Watch out for the new multimedia shows down at the ICA. The fusion of the art, Internet, sounds and light are evident here, and they often take it one stage further with a Friday dance night featuring all of the above and then some. Check with the venue for details of the next bash.

Otherwise look out for galleries opening in the most unlikeliest of venues - front rooms, garages, delapidated spaces, for this is where modern art is truly exploding. It may not be for everyone - but is controversial and imaginative and sure to cause heated debate.

The Barbican
Situated within the impressive Barbican Centre, the Barbican Art Gallery presents a mix of photography, fine art, design and architecture from leading designers and artists of the 20th and 21st… more »

Hayward Gallery
Head to the South Bank for one of London’s most interesting galleries. Unlike most galleries.

ICA Gallery
An important gallery, the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts) is renowned for the quality of the works displayed there.

The National Gallery
Situated on the north side of Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery has been the home for the National Collection of Art from the thirteenth to the twentieth century.

The National Portrait Gallery
From medieval to present time, the National Portrait Gallery houses over 10,000 portraits of famous men and women throughout British history from as early as Henry VII to the present… more »

The Saatchi Gallery
An impressive and unique venue, The Saatchi Gallery houses one of the most influential collections of contemporary art in London.

The Royal Academy of Arts
Opened in 1768, the Royal Academy of Arts was Britain’s first art school and today features regular displays of works by artists as revered as Rembrandtof.

The Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall, which opened in 1871 as part of a national memorial to Prince Albert, is now one of the most famous performing arts venues in the world.

Serpentine Gallery
Situated in the beautiful surroundings of Kensington Gardens, overlooking Hyde Park,
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For a country so steeped in history, its perhaps unsurprising that the Capital contains such a vast number of museums. Recent proposed legislation will hopefully ensure that a number of the major museums remain free, but where you do have to pay, its often around the £5 mark.

If you’re planning on going to a lot of museums its probably worth purchasing a ‘London White Card’. This is a three or a seven day pass to fifteen of the major museums. Its costs £16 for three days or £26 for seven days. Family cards are available and these cost £32 for three days or £50 for seven days. A family card covers two adults and four children.

The British Museum

The British Museum, Europe’s most famous museum, and London’s most popular attraction is a must see for any visitor to London. Ninety four galleries of archaelogical finds, prints, coins, antiquities.

BT Museum
Note: The BT Museum closed its doors to the public in August 1997. The museum was atribute to the history of telecommunications, as told by British Telecom. Packed with school kids,.

Design Museum
Not one of London’s major museums, but compulsory for fans of modern contemporary design. Located in the Terrence Conran ‘gastrodome’ (he has a number of excellent restaurants in the locale),.

Charles Dickens Museum
The Charles Dickens Museum at 48 Doughty Street is the only surviving London home of Dickens (from 1837 until 1839) and is where Charles Dickens wrote Oliver Twist. Spread over.

Imperial War Museum
The Imperial War Museum was originally founded in London in 1917 to commemorate those who died or suffered in the First World War.

The Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum in Camden is home to a huge variety of treasures, paintings and textiles presented and dedicated to celebrating Anglo - Jewish life.

London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum charts the development of transport, from the first horse drawn bus to the very latest in technology.

London Toy and Model Museum
Note: This museum may now be closed. We are currently trying to versify this.

Museum of the Moving Image
Note: This museum is now closed. We have left this page here to inform people who might still be searching for it that it has now closed. A film buffs haven…. more »
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London is not naturally a festival city. It’s simply too large to get into the spirit – Royal funerals seem to be the obvious exception. Many of the best events capitalize on the river, though, and throughout the year innumerable individual festivals and festivities enliven other parts of the city. Some are important dates in the social calendar: the Chelsea Flower Show, Wimbledon, the Proms, Boat Race and Notting Hill Carnival, all in their different ways are enjoyed by ardent fans and are also annual occasions unique to the city.

Others, like the Lord Mayor’s Show, Trooping the Colour and Beating the Retreat are colourful anachronisms that indulge an enthusiasm for pomp and circumstance. And still more display local communities celebrating their own identity. Whatever the time of year, in this city there’s always likely to be some kind of celebration of something going on near you.

PASSPORTS : Passport valid for whole period of the visit to the UK required by all except:

1. Nationals of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland with a valid national ID card.

Note: (a) A passport is not required for travel between Great Britain and Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. (b) Passengers transiting the UK destined for the Republic of Ireland are advised to hold return tickets to avoid delay and interrogation.

VISAS: Required by all except the following:

(a) nationals listed in the chart above;

(b) nationals of Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Kiribati, Korea (Rep), Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macau (SAR), Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu and Venezuela.

Note: Nationals not requiring visas are advised to be in possession of either a return ticket or, if arriving on a one-way ticket, proof of sufficient funds to accommodate and support themselves for the duration of stay.

Types of visa and cost: Standard visit, student and visitor in transit: £36. One-year visit: £60. Two-year visit: £70. Five-year visit: £88. Ten-year vist: £150. Direct Airside Transit: £27. Fees are usually payable in the local currency and are subject to variation in both price and method of payment. Enquire at nearest High Commission/Embassy. Visa fees are not refundable.

Validity: Visit visas: Six months, one year, two years, five years or ten years; all visit visas are valid for multiple entries within the period of validity. Visitor in transit visas are not required by those continuing their journey to a third country by the first connecting aircraft within 24 hours, provided possessing confirmed onward travel documentation. Those in transit to another country, who will remain the the UK for no longer than 48 hours, will need a visitor in transit visa. A visit visa is required for any transit stay over 48 hours. Direct Airside Transit visas are required by certain visa nationals, even if not entering the UK or changing airports during transit. These countries are Afghanistan, China (PR), Colombia, Croatia, Ecuador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Slovak Republic, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Application to: Nearest British Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission).

Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) Two passport-size photos (some nationals may require three photographs). (c) Completed application form (some nationals may be required to fill out an additional form). (d) Fee (postal applications must be accompanied by bank draft, postal or money order only). The supplementary documentaion required will vary depending on the type of application, however, in all cases it is advisable also to provide (e) evidence of funds (bank statements or pay slips). (f) letter of invitiation. (g) evidence of sponsors funds (if applicable).

Working days required: Dependent on nationality of applicant. Applications usually take between 24 hours and ten working days. Applications that are referred to the Home Office may take up to 13 weeks.

Temporary residence: Enquiries can be made at nearest British Consulate, Embassy or High Commission.

For a Half Day

Kew Gardens: Situated on the western edge of the city, beside the River Thames, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Richmond, Surrey is a 121-hectare (300-acre) site, first planted in the 17th century and now a horticulturist’s heaven. There are several glasshouses, including the beautiful Palm House, which shelters rare orchids and palms, and the brand new Alpine House, the only public glasshouse to be constructed at Kew in the past 20 years. Transport to the gardens is by London Underground to Kew Gardens; or by train from Waterloo to Kew Bridge, which is also served by the Silverlink Metro. The gardens are open daily 0930-1615, Saturday and Sunday 0930-1930 (Apr-Aug). Admission charge.

Hampton Court Palace: Just outside London, on the banks of the River Thames, is Hampton Court Palace, East Moseley, Surrey , once the residence of Henry VIII. As well as the magnificent State Apartments used by the Tudor court, there are 60 acres of immaculate riverside gardens to explore, and a world-famous maze that will delight children and grown-ups alike. After your visit, take a walk along the banks of the river or catch a boat to Kingston, Richmond or Kew. On a sunny day, this is one of the nicest days out to be had around London. Hampton Court Palace is open daily (Apr-Oct) 1000-1800; (Nov-Mar) 1000-1630 (last admission 1 hour before closing time). Admission charge.

London Wetland Centre: The London Wetland Centre in Queen Elizabeth’s Walk is a unique wildlife visitor attraction created by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) in Barnes, south west London. A spectacular 105-acre wetland landscape of lagoons, lakes and ponds offers a safe haven for hundreds of wild bird species, dragonflies, bats and amphibians. Exhibition areas include World Wetlands, with endangered wildfowl from around the world, and Waterlife, which features wildlife gardens and impressive three-storey bird hide. The visitor centre includes the bird airport Observatory, a Discovery Centre with interactive technology, the Planet Water film show and cafe/restaurant. The centre is open daily 0930-1800 in summer, 0930-1700 in winter (last admission one hour before closing time). Transport is by London Underground to Hammersmith, then short bus ride from Hammersmith bus station, or by train from Waterloo to Barnes, followed by a short walk.

For a Whole Day

Brighton: Known as ‘London on Sea’, Brighton is located 97km (60 miles) from London, on the south coast. Easily and relatively cheaply accessible from Victoria station or King’s Cross Thameslink, Britain’s young demographic, vibrant nightlife, top-class restaurants and relaxed vibe certainly make it the trendy coastal retreat of choice. Attractions include the Royal Pavilion (George IV’s summer retreat), the newly renovated Museum of Brighton, and the old town around the Lanes. The Brighton Visitor Information Office, 10 Bartholomew Square , can provide more information. Or check out the Columbus City Guide to Brighton.

Oxford: The ‘dreaming spires’ are located 97km (60 miles) northwest of central London. Harbouring one of the oldest universities in Europe, Oxford is not only steeped in history, architecture and traditions (such as punting on the river) but is also a bustling commercial city with good shops and excellent pubs. Trains to Oxford depart from Paddington station, while frequent 24-hour coaches leave from Victoria- the Oxford Express X90 from Victoria Coach Station and the Oxford Tube from Grosvenor Gardens outside Victoria train station. The Oxford Tourist Information Office, The Old School , can provide further information.

One -litre bottle of mineral water: £1
33cl bottle of beer: £3
Financial Times newspaper: £1
36-exposure colour film: £4.99
City-centre bus ticket: £1.50
Adult football ticket: £25-50
Three-course meal with wine/beer: From £25

1 British Pound Sterling (£1) = US$1.72; C$2.02; A$2.41; €1.43
Currency conversion rates as of April 2006

By Air

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Heathrow, 24km (15 miles) west of central London, is one of the world’s busiest international airports, coping with over 63 million passengers every year. The airport is massive, with terminals one to three linked to terminal four by the Heathrow Express and London Underground services. After a 10-year deliberation and some fierce opposition, plans to build a fifth terminal were approved in 2001 and there is currently talk of a new runway as well.

Airport facilities: Facilities include bureaux de change, ATMs, airport information, hotel reservation and travel information desks, post offices in terminals two and four, left-luggage, showers, telephones and fax machines, shops, duty-free outlets, restaurants, cafes, bars and a London Tourist Board centre in the London Underground station. There is Internet access available in terminal four. There is also car hire available in all four terminals, from Avis, Europcar, Hertz, National and Thrifty. The Business Centre Heathrow is located in the Queen’s Building, between terminals one and two. Open Monday to Friday 0730-1900, it offers 20 meeting rooms and a conference suite, as well as a communications centre with computers with Internet access, faxes, photocopiers, audiovisual equipment and even showers.

Transport to the city: The Heathrow Express train service to Paddington station operates every 15 minutes Mon-Sat 0507-2401 and Sun 0503-2401 from terminal four (journey time - 23 minutes) and Mon-Sat 0503-2401 and Sun 0508-2408 from terminals one, two and three (journey time - 15 minutes). Tickets can be purchased from Heathrow Express desks or self-service ticket kiosks located at the station; tickets are also available for purchase on the train, for a premium, or online, with a 10% discount.

The airport is also on the London Underground Piccadilly line or . Trains operate Mon-Sat 0500-2345 and Sun 0545-2315 (journey time - 45 minutes). Please note that until Sep 2006, the underground station at Terminal 4 is closed while the Picadilly line is extended to Terminal 5 (currently under construction). A replacement bus service is in use from Hatton Cross. Allow extra time for your journey.

There is also a Central Bus Station at Heathrow, where the main bus service to central London is operated by National Express . At night, the N9 night bus service goes to central London every 30 minutes (journey time - 50 minutes).

Speedlink, operated by National Express (see above) coaches link Heathrow and Gatwick airports (journey time - 70 minutes) daily approximately 0500-2230. Coaches also run from Heathrow Airport to Victoria.

The Airport Travel Line provides coach transport information. The Travel Line can provide information on all public transport to and from London.

Taxis are readily available and cost around £45 for a journey to the city centre (depending on traffic conditions and time of day).

London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Gatwick, 45km (28 miles) south of central London, is the second busiest international airport in the UK, serving over 32 million passengers a year. Around 90 airlines operate from Gatwick’s two terminals, serving around 200 destinations. The free Inter Terminal Transit train links the two terminals (north and south).

Airport facilities: Both terminals have bureaux de change, ATMs, airport information desks, showers, left luggage facilities, shops, duty-free outlets, restaurants and bars. There is also an Internet cafe situated in the south terminal. Both terminals have car hire from Avis, Europcar, Hertz, National and Thrifty. The airport provides a Fast Track priority service for business-class travellers, as well as a full range of business services at the Hilton London Gatwick Airport Hotel and Sofitel London Gatwick Hotel

Transport to the city: The Gatwick Express train service to Victoria station operates every 15 or 30 minutes (depending on the time of day) daily 0435-0135 (journey time - 30 minutes). Other, slower trains also run to Victoria (stopping at East Croydon and Clapham en route). Alternative train services by Thameslink to King’s Cross Thameslink operate daily approximately every 15 minutes during peak hours, with a reduced service at night (journey time - 45-50 minutes). Coaches depart from the ground floor of the south terminal.

National Express coaches link Gatwick and Heathrow airports (journey time - 70 minutes) daily approximately 0500-2230. Coaches also run from Gatwick Airport to Victoria.

The Travel Line and the Airport Travel Line can provide information on all public transport to and from London. Chauffeur-driven cars are provided by Checker Cars (south terminal) or 501 377 (north terminal)). Taxis are readily available and a trip to the centre of London costs around £80 for a journey time of approximately one hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

London Stansted Airport (STN)

This impressively modern and user-friendly airport is an expanding hub for the increasingly popular budget airlines, which offer cut-price flights to many cities across Europe. One of Europe’s fastest growing airports, Stansted is located 48km (30 miles) northeast of central London and serves 22 million passengers per year. It is estimated that by 2008, this figure will reach 25 million. Consultation is currently under way to look into the feasibility and impact of building a new runway there, to increase capacity for the South East of England.

Airport facilities: Newly renovated and expanded facilities include bureaux de change, ATMs, left-luggage, airport information, hotel reservation desk, shops, duty-free outlets, restaurants, bars and car hire from Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and National. Meeting rooms are available for hire from easymeeting , in Enterprise House, situated next to the main terminal building. Broadband wireless Internet access is available from BT Openzone situated in the departure lounge.

Transport to the city: The Stansted Express train service to Liverpool Street station operates daily 0530-2430, departing every 15 minutes, (journey time - 49 minutes).

The main coach service to central London is the A6 Airbus , which travels to Victoria coach station every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day (journey time - 1 hour 45 minutes).

The Airport Travel Line provides further coach transport information. The Travel Line can provide information on all public transport to and from London. Taxis are usually available at the airport or can be telephoned; Airport Carz charge around £80 for the 60-minute (depending on traffic and conditions) journey to central London.

London Luton Airport (LTN)

The UK’s seventh largest airport is 52km (32 miles) north of central London. London Luton Airport is growing fast: it served 9 million passengers in 2005, an increase of 400% in 10 years.

Airport facilities: The airport has bureaux de change, ATMs, several information kiosks, shops, duty-free outlets, restaurants, bars and car hire from Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and National. The Aviance Executive Lounge (tel: (01582) 700 898) is located in the international departure lounge. Facilities include fax, telephone, e-mail and Internet.

Transport to the city: Thameslink (tel: 0845 748 4950; website: www.thameslink.co.uk) provides a fast link (approximately 30-40 minutes) to King’s Cross Thameslink from the Luton Airport Parkway station. A free shuttle bus connects Luton Airport with the Parkway station. Trains operate daily approximately every 15-30 minutes, with a reduced service on weeknights.

Greenline 757 operates a coach service to Victoria coach station, departing every 30-60 minutes 24 hours a day (journey time - 60-90 minutes). easyBus operates a direct express minibus service to/from Central London (Baker Street), seven days a week. Minibuses depart from Bay 4 outside the main terminal building. The Travel Line provides further information on travel to London.

Taxis are available 24 hours and cost approximately £60 for a journey to central London.

London City Airport (LCY)

The business-orientated London City Airport is the most central of the capital’s airports, located just 10km (6 miles) east of the City of London. The airport is relatively small, however nearly 2 million passengers travelled through it in 2005.

Airport facilities: These include bureaux de change, ATMs, information and hotel reservation desks, postal facilities, duty-free shopping, restaurants, bars, and car hire from Avis, Europcar and Hertz. The Meridian Business Centre offers fully serviced conference suites and office space for hire.

Transport to the city: A new DLR link is now open, connecting the existing DLR network (and the Jubilee Line on the Underground) at Canning Town, stopping at four stations en route. Trains run every 7 minutes, and take 14 minutes to reach Canning Town, and 22 minutes to reach Bank station. There are two airport shuttle buses, which operate Monday to Friday approximately 0600-2100, Saturday 0600-1300 and Sunday 1100-2100. The green shuttle bus runs to Canning Town station (journey time - 5 minutes). The blue bus runs to Canary Wharf (journey time - 10 minutes) and Liverpool Street station (journey time - 30 minutes).

There is a stand with licensed black taxis, located directly outside the terminal building. Fares to central London start from £20-25. The Travel Line provides further information on all transport to and from London.

Approximate flight times to London: From New York is 7 hours 40 minutes; from Los Angeles is 10 hours 20 minutes; from Toronto is 7 hours and from Sydney is 23 hours 5 minutes (plus stopover). (more…)

Although English is the official national language in the UK, 275 separate languages are actually spoken in the nation’s multicultural capital. It is perhaps surprising, then, that the acquisition of a second European language remains a low priority among most of the native population. A typical London accent is characterized by a dropped ‘h’ at the beginning of words, a glottal stop instead of ‘tt’ in the middle of words and the elongation of ‘a’ to ‘i’.

Professor Higgins (Rex Harrison) famously tries to cure Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn) of this habit in the film, My Fair Lady (based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion), by making her recite ‘The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain’ and not ‘The rhine in Spine falls minely on the pline’. Cockney rhyming slang emerged in the nineteenth century as a means for East End residents to communicate without being understood by the police. The most commonly used phrases, such as ‘dog and bone’ for phone, ‘plates of meat’ for feet and ‘apples and pears’ for stairs, have since passed into the national vernacular.

The selected restaurants have been divided into five categories: Gourmet, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The restaurants are listed alphabetically within these different categories, which serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments. All restaurant bills are subject to VAT (Value Added Tax) of 17.5%, which is usually included in the prices given.

A service charge (usually 12.5%) might be included in the prices stated on the menu but it is more likely to be added to the bill at the end. This is technically an optional charge but it would be very unusual to ask for it to be removed. Where ‘Service is not included’, a tip of at least 10% is expected, although 12-15% is becoming more common. Diners should check the bill thoroughly, as tipping is not required on top of a service charge.

The prices quoted below are for an average three-course meal for one person and for a bottle of house wine or cheapest equivalent; they include VAT but not service charge or tip.

Gourmet

Le Gavroche

Since its opening in 1967 by brothers Albert and Michel Roux, the smart, formal, dark and classically French Le Gavroche, with two Michelin stars, has been setting the culinary benchmark for the British restaurant scene. Currently run by Michel Roux Junior, with the assistance of award-winning maitre d’, Silvano Giraldin, diners can expect the highest standards of food, wine and service - at prices to match. Highly praised dishes include the artichoke hearts with foie gras, truffles and chicken mousse, the grilled sea bream with pea and wild mushroom sauce and the baked sea bass with tiger prawns. Reservations essential. No lunch Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Lindsay House

Irish-born chef Richard Corrigan has made this Soho townhouse his home and gained a Michelin star in the process, by creating impeccable dishes in a grand but comfortable environment. Arriving at the discreet front door, diners must ring the bell to gain admittance, which heralds the beginning of an evening where the attentive staff treats them like the houseguests of a rich, absent host. The 1740s building quietly exudes charm, while guests pad up carpeted stairs to a small, elegant but simple dining room, with white walls, oil paintings, a grand fireplace and comfortable chairs.

It is impossible not to feel at home, although there are two private dining rooms for those who really wish to be cocooned, as well as one other public dining room on the ground floor. The menu changes daily (Richard Corrigan tries to source all his ingredients from small suppliers) but, from the tiny wafer-thin cheesy biscuits served with a champagne cocktail, every dish is perfectly balanced, well presented and beautifully cooked. With an accessible and distinguished wine list, amuse bouche between every course and petits four to round the whole thing off, nothing is forgotten in this most memorable establishment. Reservations essential. No lunch Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Locanda Locatelli

The excellent Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli, the brainchild of celebrity chef Giorgio Locatelli, serves up delectable Italian dishes in sleek surroundings with a glamorous 1970s feel. Four courses are recommended, so diners are able to enjoy an antipasto (such as the lightest salad of borlotti beans, red onions and tuna) but not miss out on a pasta dish, such as the rave-worthy veal shank ravioli. Mains include a decent number of fish and meat dishes, served simply with one or two other ingredients, such as John Dory with potatoes and peas (vegetarians might be forced to indulge in a second pasta dish!), while desserts should not be missed. The restaurant is now open on Sunday. Reservations well in advance are essential.

Nobu

This devastatingly fashionable restaurant, located on the first floor of the Metropolitan Hotel, provides award-winning Japanese cuisine melded with South American influences in a relaxed yet classy environment. Smiling, uniformed members of staff guide the diner through an extensive menu with head chef Mark Edwards at the helm. The presentation is impeccable and the food itself unique. Signature dishes include black cod marinated in miso, chocolate cake with tea-tree ice cream or sake with gold leaf. The place is also one of the best spots in town for sushi. There is plenty of opportunity for celebrity spotting. Reservations essential. No lunch weekends.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

The only London restaurant with three Michelin stars, this remains the best place to experience Gordon Ramsay at work. In a comfortable but fairly neutral room, the focus is entirely on the food. All dishes are superb and might include the starter of a mosaique of foie gras served three ways (pressed, confit and smoked) with marinated figs and pickled girolles, followed by fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef with caramelized pig’s trotters, quail’s eggs, sauteed baby artichokes and truffle sauce. A seven-course set dinner is available for £90 for those who wish to experience the full gastronomic experience. Reservations essential. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Business

Incognico

Nico Ladenis’ unfussy West End restaurant provides the best-value set menu in London. For a meagre £12.50, at lunchtime or early evening, diners can enjoy a well-composed three-course meal, with a choice of two dishes per course, from a menu that changes weekly. Dishes might include a brandade of salt cod in crispy pastry, followed by pork belly with fresh sauerkraut and Madeira sauce, and key lime tart. A decent mainly French a la carte menu is also available, including many fish dishes but few entirely vegetarian ones. The interior is cosy and uncluttered but the service can be patchy. A decent wine list has a helpful (or pretentious) adjective describing each wine. Closed Sunday.

The Ivy

The restaurant of choice of many a celebrity, The Ivy is notoriously difficult to get into without a famous name or advance booking of at least six weeks. Telephoning to reserve involves an intimidating call-back system. Once inside, however, the comfortable decor suggests a gentleman’s club with dark wooden panelling and diamond-patterned stained-glass windows. The food is simple but of high quality and includes traditional British favorites, such as bangers and mash, potted shrimps or braised beef in stout, along with more European recipes, such as pork tenderloin on lemon polenta. The cosy environment, pleasing food and guaranteed celebrity spotting makes The Ivy a laid-back yet impressive venue for a business meal.

Jaan

Don’t be put off by the dull exterior of the Swissotel in Temple Place. Tucked away at the back of the building, Jaan, the hotel’s elegant restaurant, is a peaceful haven looking out to a lush rear terraced garden, and an ideal place to do lunch al fresco in the summer.

The food, French cooking enhanced by delicate southeast Asian influences, is good modern fusion cuisine, and there are some interesting offerings on the menu, from starters like the pan-fried foie gras with caramelized banana, pineapple and coconut sorbet or the green miso soup (both excellent) to main courses such as duck a l’orange (served with a spring roll) or trio of beef (ribeye, braised short rib and Kobe beef served with wasabi, tempura and watercress) to green tea flavored crème brulee with passion fruit and hibiscus or black sesame panacotta with lychee granite and cherry syrup for desserts. And the entremets (a soft ginger and lime granite for example, or a rhubarb oats muesli with a light vanilla cream), were little masterpieces in their own right. The wine pairing option, where each dish comes with a recommended wine by the glass to accompany it, is an added bonus.

Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie

For panoramic views of London, there is no better place to eat than the restaurant at the top of the Thameside Oxo Tower. In good weather, diners can eat on the terrace, otherwise they take a seat in the stylish minimalist interior. At lunchtime, the place is a favorite venue for business meetings, with light, well-prepared food and a set menu available (£29.50 for three courses). In the evenings, the place takes on a more festive mood, with its busy bar set against the stunning London nightscape. The cuisine is modern European, with dishes such monkfish with oxtail, sprouting broccoli and parsnips or spiced tenderloin of lamb, peas, mint and coriander, however, too often the dishes sound promising but fail to shine. The service can also be poor, but with those views the Oxo Tower remains perennially popular.

Matsuri High Holborn

So you thought Japanese food was about sushi and noodles and nothing else? Well, think again. Matsuri High Holborn does feature the obligatory sushi bar, yes, but the real action takes place downstairs in the Teppan-Yaki room, where expert chefs prepare flavorsome dishes on a hot plate right in front of customers. The entertainment factor is huge (order the fireball ice cream and you’ll see why), the set-up makes for convivial eating, and the prices are more reasonable than one might expect. Given the length and breadth of the menu, it’s hard to single out individual dishes for praise, but various set menus are a good choice for those wishing to sample a variety of Japanese specialties, including sushi, sashimi, tempura and teriyaki. Ideal for a business lunch or dinner with a difference! There is a private room for hire.

Trendy

Cigala

Jake Hodges, one of the original founders of Moro, is the owner-chef of this wonderful Spanish restaurant, with big windows, light wood and simple cream decor. Cigala can get busy and noisy and the tables are a little close together but it always remains relaxed, friendly and sophisticated, rather like the food. From the starters, the salads are always fresh and delicious combinations, such as the asparagus, broad beans, pea and mint salad. Recommended mains include the fish dishes, such as the skate with garlic, guindilla peppers and balsamic vinegar with braised spinach. There is a charming, small tapas bar in the basement, where it is possible for diners to eat as much of the incredible bread alongside excellent tapas (the meatballs and king prawns are highly recommended). Reservations recommended. Closed Sunday.

The Electric Brasserie

Opened in 2002 as part of the refurbishment of Portobello’s famous Electric Cinema, England’s first purpose-built cinema. A major revamp brought in soft leather seating and chic wooden tables - and a suitably trendy following, coming for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just drinks in the bar area. With a huge range of brasserie-style dishes and great seafood available all day long, this comes as no surprise; it is especially popular for Sunday brunch - comfort food like chunky steak sandwiches or hamburgers with red onion marmalade. The a la carte menu gets slightly grander, with the addition of dishes like grilled dover sole or chateaubriand for two. There is also a joint on a trolley, which varies every evening but all Sunday is Aberdeen Angus beef with Yorkshire pudding. Open daily, although reservations recommended Thursday to Saturday.
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