The Avenue
A favourite with the inhabitants of St James, The Avenue
produces good Modern British and Mediterranean food but wisely does
not attempt to compete with its illustrious neighbours,
Pétrus and L'Oranger. As a result this minimalist restaurant
is good value and always packed, despite a sometimes patchy
service. The best tables are towards the back, on the mezzanine
level. Set menus are usually excellent, and competitively priced,
and quality wines are available by the glass. Open daily for lunch
and dinner.
Address: 7-9 St James's Street
Food type: Modern Eclectic
La Poule au Pot
Although only a few minutes walk from Sloane Square, this
charming restaurant could just as easily be in Paris or Provence,
rather than in Pimlico Village. La Poule au Pot is one of those
delightfully un-hip restaurants that guarantees a superb dining
experience. The restaurant is cosy and warm and the food is true to
traditional French cuisine - wholesome and unpretentious. The
portions are generous and their fragrance floods your tongue before
it rests on it. All this makes up for the absolute 'Frenchness' of
the service, whose arrogance is a reminder that, even in the most
pleasurable of experiences, we must endure a little pain. With its
chicken wire room dividers and huge baskets of dusty bread and
dried flowers, not to mention the chipped and mismatched crockery,
La Poule au Pot is a favourite with locals. Open daily for lunch
and dinner.
Address: 231 Ebury Street (Pimlico)
Food type: French
Star of India
When in London visitors should experience the English national
dish - Chicken Tikka Masala - and there is no better place to go
than the Star of India, in the heart of South Kensington. Situated
on the first floor of a Georgian house, this small restaurant
has a pseudo-classical interior and continues to be popular
with locals, despite the price. For years the Star of India
has been at the forefront of modern Indian cuisine and it continues
to impress with innovative and interesting menus, with
specialities such as 'lusciously creamy tiger prawn casserole with
root vegetables' and 'boned quail stuffed with chicken,
quail's eggs, pine nuts and sunflower seeds'.
Address: 154 Old Brompton Road (South Kensington)
Food type: Indian
1 Lombard Street
Situated in the domed interior of an old banking hall opposite
the Bank of England, 1 Lombard Street has become a city
institution. The brasserie is always bustling with investment
bankers and offers a full á la carte menu for both lunch and
dinner with seasonal specialities and an extensive wine list. The
Michelin-starred restaurant, situated behind the brasserie, is a
better bet for discreet conversation and for enthusiasts of haute
cuisine.






