Flesh and Buns- Covent Garden, London

41 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LX
http://www.fleshandbuns.com/

Flesh & Buns is an energetic, modern Japanese restaurant located in a basement in London's charming Seven Dials. It's named as such as the concept is to order from the section of high quality meat and fish dishes and pair with their signature steamed buns.

Diners can sit in one of the large booths, small individual tables or the long communal table that runs the entire length of the restaurant. The low ceiling creates a an intimate atmosphere and the simple interior provides an informal feel. 

Dishes on offer include mixed sashimi, ceviche, sushi rolls, fried lime squid, grilled sweet potato, Wagyu rump steak and salmon teriyaki. For something sweet try the black sugar custard donuts, passionfruit s'mores or a lychee & pomegranate martini. Every Sunday they offer an unlimited brunch too; a cocktail on arrival, chips, dips and edamame, unlimited hot and cold dishes, steamed buns, a dessert for the table and unlimited prosecco, white or red wine...result!

Palomar- Soho, London

34 Rupert Street, W1D 60N
http://thepalomar.co.uk/

This place is perfect if you're dining in a two; sit at the bar to eat and watch the chefs prepare and serve right in front of you...the atmosphere is great. You won't be able to book in advance but if it's busy you can put your name down and go for a drink nearby- the Ham Yard Hotel bar is particularly lovely. There is however a separate restaurant for those who too feel nervous turning up without a booking!

I wasn't quite sure what 'modern day Jerusalem' cuisine entailed but the dishes were super. We enjoyed some delicious Jewish 'Challah bread' to start, followed by the cornfed chicken cooked in buttermilk & Jerusalem mixed spices and the pork belly tagine with ras el hanout, dried apricots and Israeli cous cous. Our 'Malabi' dessert was divine; a rose scented pudding with raspberry coulis, coconut meringue pistachio crunch, fresh raspberries and 'kataifi'. 

Aribica Bar & Kitchen- Borough Market, London

3 Rochester Walk, Borough Market, SE1 9AF
http://www.arabicabarandkitchen.com/

Recently opened restaurant and bar Arabica is located in the heart of Borough Market and was teeming with life when we visited one recent Thursday evening.

High ceilings, brick walls and exposed piping create a dramatic interior that soft/layered lighting bring warmth and welcome to.
                    
Arabica promises an 'epicurean exploration of the beguiling flavours of the Levant'. In other words; the menu has delicious Eastern Mediterranean inspired dishes ideal for sharing. Expect to choose from options such as smoked almonds, appetizing dips, stuffed vine leaves, falafel, aubergine croquettes, sugar cured king prawns, lentil and bulgar pilaf, spicy lamb kofta etc etc. The wild mushroom, truffle and halloumi flat bread (delicious) is a must. 
                                            
Bottom line; great atmosphere and food...worth a visit!

Pacata- Covent Garden, London

4 New Row, WC2N 4LH
http://www.pacata.co.uk/

On one of Covent Garden's quieter streets sits Pacata, a small, friendly restaurant where very attentive staff serve reasonably priced Asian fusion comfort food.

 Appetisers range from salty edamame to moreish popcorn chicken. For main; crispy soft-shell crab or beef burgers come with sweet potato fries or you can opt for a more traditional Asian dish like pan seared sea bass or grilled chicken with spicy sauce and jasmine rice. 'Pacata Pasta' includes squid ink tagliatelle, a nice take on your usual Pad Thai. On the dessert menu; cheesecake and brownies come with an Asian twist: green tea ice cream.

Inside, colourful lanterns and a wall covered in mini polaroid photos are some of the pleasing design touches throughout.

Una, St. Pancras Clock Tower- Kings Cross, London

St Pancras Clock Tower, N1C
http://grubclub.com/una

Una allows you the chance to experience a truly unique and memorable evening in the iconic St Pancras Clock Tower. Developed by chef Martin Milesi; Latin American is the cuisine focus for this private dinner and the creative, multi-course menu explores both traditional and contemporary dishes paired with delicious Argentinian wine. Dining in an intimate apartment setting with eleven others; you will receive an excellent standard of service and get the chance to meet a group of new people.

 Grub Club offer other private dinners in the Clock Tower so keep an eye out for these if you miss out on a ticket for Una!

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea- Sanderson Hotel, London

Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners Street, W1T 3NG
Website

This is such a fun and creative afternoon tea! Situated in the light and bright courtyard garden of the Sanderson Hotel, the whole theme is based around Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter's tea party which is woven into your experience in different ways.

At first glance, the black and white crockery has clock and time illustrations; reminiscent of the White Rabbit's stopwatch. The teapot arrives wearing a black crown and the unique section of teas are served in little glass bottles wrapped with bows.

The rolled sandwich selection includes Cumbrian ham on sun-dried tomato bread and egg mayonnaise with smoked sea salt on lemon bread. You're given a delicious mini quiche of the day and the scones come in both savoury and sweet form; our warm spinach scones with chive butter were absolutely delicious and the traditional versions with jam and clotted cream hit the spot too. Probably the most impressive part however, was the wonderful selection of little desserts and cakes. Carrot meringues, Victoria Sponge, mango cheesecake, white chocolate mousse served in a colourful chocolate cup and a creamy passion fruit 'Drink Me' potion are all things to look forward to.

The afternoon tea is priced at £38, with a glass of champagne it's £48 per person. Be aware the 15% service charge and pricey cocktails if you want to keep drinking.

City Social- The City, London

Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ
http://citysociallondon.com/

Another string to Michelin Star Jason Atherton's bow of successful London 'Social' restaurants (Pollen Street Social, The Little Social, Social Eating House), City Social located high up in Tower 42 serves dinner and drinks in a sleek interior with jaw-dropping panoramic views of London.

The restaurant menu is divided into five sections with something for everyone; cooked starters, uncooked starters, pasta and rice, mains and grill. Veggies might like the heirloom tomato and burrata salad or the basil tagliatelle with colourful sprouting broccoli and parmesan veloute.  The mains on offer include a good selection of fish and meats, all accompanied with flavoursome sides. From the grill, all beef is cooked over charcoal and served with duck fat chips. For dessert, pick from dishes such as the apple tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, the strawberry soufflé with yoghurt sorbet or the white chocolate mousse with caramel hazelnuts and salted caramel ice cream (wow).

If you're not keen on dinner, the City Social bar serves prohibition inspired cocktails with tasty snacks such as goats cheese churros and Cornish chilli squid...where you can still enjoy the same stunning backdrop of the iconic Gherkin building that looks so close you could touch it.