Hutong- The Shard, London

31 St. Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
http://www.aquahutong.co.uk

If you happen to have a wad of spare cash itching to be spent or can wangle a free client dinner at this place (I found myself the lucky latter last month)...then go! An explosion of flavours from their contemporary northern Chinese menu and twinkling skyscraper views of London make the whole experience rather dreamy.  The numerous eating spaces and private dining rooms that span the panoramic 33rd floor are finished beautifully; a seductive landscape of hand carved dark wood, glowing red lanterns, floor to ceiling glass windows and a single wishing tree all evoke a feeling of luxury and serenity.

Starting with cocktails, the 'Chinese Lantern' was a delicious concoction of fresh mandarin, passion fruit, St. Germaine, plum bitters and champagne. The tasting menu brought us plates of joy in the form of dover and coriander soup, roasted peking duck with classic pancakes, Kung-Po style fried prawns, grouper fillet with black bean sauce, stir-fried shredded duck, crispy lamb ribs, spicy minced pork with string beans and Hutong's fried rice. We finished with cooling guava sorbet after our spicy savouries. I can't wait to go back...although it might only be for a cocktail.

Brasserie Zédel- Picadilly, London

20 Sherwood Street, W1F 7ED
http://www.brasseriezedel.com

A stone's throw from Piccadilly Circus, Brasserie Zédel is an opulent French restaurant housed in a grand ballroom that once belonged to the Regent Palace Hotel. The stunning Art Deco interior features mahogany wall panels, clothed tables adorned with small period lamps and marble pillars that stretch high up to a gilded ceiling.

The great value menu includes classic mains like Beef Bourguignon (£9.95) and steak haché with pepper sauce and frites (£8.75). Other traditional dishes like the onion soup and Creme Brûlée are both priced at a very reasonable £4.50. There's also the option of the fixed price menu- 2 courses for £8.95 and 3 for £11.75.

Extend your evening with cocktails in Bar Américane or visiting cabaret and jazz bar, 'The Crazy Coqs', both adjacent to Zédel.