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. 

Sake No Hana- Mayfair, London

23 Saint James's Street, SW1A 1HA
http://sakenohana.com/london/

Owned by the Hakkasan group, Sake No Hana serves modern Japanese cuisine in a slick Mayfair environment. Black leather seats, atmospheric drop lighting and an intricate wooden ceiling create a striking interior while the open sushi bar lets you to watch the chefs hard at work.

The 'Taste of Sake No Hana' set menu is priced at £29 ahead for 4 courses, allowing you to sample a range of what's on offer without breaking the bank. We opted for the red miso soup with yam croquette to start, followed by tofu and mushrooms and tender beef hobayaki. Of the sushi dishes available, the spicy chirashi maki and crunchy yasai maki were perfectly prepared and tasted great. The dessert of the day was an unusual and refreshing selection of sorbet bites encased in exotic fruit pockets. Also included is a peach Bellini served in a tall, frosted glass.

The Wolesley- St James, London

160 Piccadily, W1J 9EB
http://www.thewolseley.com/

The Wolesley lets you experience Mayfair luxury at affordable prices. This London establishment originated as a prestigious car showroom and the interior remains as grand today- towering pillars, arches, stairways and chandeliers create a big impact as soon as you walk through the door. After being greeted by three separate staff before we were seated, we knew we would be looked after well.

The menu includes starters like beetroot and goats cheese salad or croustade of quails eggs and hollandaise. The duck confit with lentils was a delicious mains and the fish stew and coq au vin looked good too. Classic desserts feature such as creme brulee, apple & raspberry crumble and black forest gateau.

Renowned for breakfast, start the day with choices such as caramelised pink grapefruit, potato rosti with avocado, tomato and egg or pancakes with bacon and berries.

Bunga Bunga- Battersea, London

37 Battersea Bridge Road, SW11 3BA
http://www.bungabunga-london.com/

As one of London's top boozy brunch venues, two hours in Italian pizzeria Bunga Bunga ensure anyone leaves in a jovial and less that sober state. The staff are attentive and provide a steady, unlimited flow of prosecco and bellinis.

Also included in the thirty pound brunch menu are homemade bread and jams, fresh fruit salad, a selection of cured meats and large boards of different pizza - ample lining for whatever shenanigans follow. Expect dancing on tables and karaoke when things begin to get rowdy post- 3pm...
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Dabbous- Goodge Street, London

39 Whitfield Street, WIT 2SF
http://dabbous.co.uk/

A string of excellent reviews from top critics and a small capacity shot the wait for Dabbous up to a massive 10 months last year. Thankfully the waiting time has now been capped at 6 months! Dishes on the menu display innovation with a proficient understanding of flavours and ingredient combinations. Fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables, juices and infusions and wild foods are the focus to ensure lighter cooking in line with a growing desire to eat healthily.

We went all out with the tasting menu; favourites being muscat grapes with lovage & almond milk, lard on toast with black truffle and hot cashew nut butter with ginger beer and lime.

The bar downstairs boasts an extensive and creative cocktail list for a pre-dinner drink.

The Flying Pig- Dulwich, london

58-60 East Dulwich Road, SE22 9AX

http://www.theflyingpiglondon.com

Make a visit to The Flying Pig in Dulwich for big portions of tasty southern comfort food. Feeling fragile on a Sunday, the pulled pork signature sandwich, meaty rack of ribs and side of mac n' cheese were our saviour. For any vegetarians or pescatarians, the menu also includes lighter options like 'The Tree Hugger' bean and lentil burger or the soft shell crab taco. This craft beer pub has 12 kegs and 6 casks on offer, ensuring loads of hops variety at any time. Big comfy leather seats near the front of the pub provide the perfect spot to laze around, content and full from a large lunch.