London boasts arguably the widest choice of restaurants of any city in the world.
One of London's greatest strengths is her diversity, and nowhere is this better reflected than in her dining scene. Long derided by our French neighbours, British cuisine is also entering a new phase of development of its own as our chefs rediscover traditional dishes in modern and exciting new ways.
Best modern British restaurants
Acorn House is Arthur Potts Dawson's signature restaurant, run along environmentally friendly lines and serving generous portions. Nearby,
Konstam the Prince Alfred offers locally sourced food, including Amersham pigeon breast. Rowley Leigh's latest project,
Le Café Anglais, is arguably his best, serving Anglo-French food in an elegant setting.
Arbutus in Soho aims to serve Michelin star-quality food at affordable prices. Seasonal highlights include smoked eel and braised pig's head.
Most unusual restaurants
Ever wonder what it's like to be blind?
Dans Le Noir aims to recreate this experience for diners by serving their meal entirely in pitch-black darkness.
Archipelago's philosophy is to serve the most unusual cuisine from around the world; dishes can include ostrich, zebra, wildebeest and kangaroo. For those who are tired of overpriced London restaurants, Just Around The Corner (446 Finchley Road) lets customers pay what they think the meal is worth for French cuisine served in a baroque setting.
Best traditional London pubs
In a city where every man and his dog is setting up a gastropub, an old-fashioned pub can be a godsend. One of the very best is the Prince Alfred and Formosa (5a Formosa Street), which still has its original partitions designed to keep the aristocrats from the hoi polloi. The Argyll Arms (18 Argyll Street) in Soho has original Victorian-etched mirrors, mahogany finishing and three small snugs. The Albert (52 Victoria Street) dates back to the 1860s and features hand-cut glass and gaslight fixtures.
Most unusual London nights out
Proud of your vocal ability but too cool for naff Robbie Williams covers? Head to
Hip Hop Karaoke at the Social where you can sing along to classics from Run DMC, Jay-Z or Snoop. If you'd like a chance to revamp your wardrobe without flashing the cash, head along to
Swap-a-Rama Razzmatazz at Favela Chic, where you swap an item of clothing with the person standing next to you when the klaxon sounds. Burlesque is now ever so 2006 in London, but if you fancy some burlesque with a difference book in for Bearlesque at the fabulous
Bistrotheque, where you will be treated to the absolutely unforgettable site of a troupe of "bears" (hairy, bearded, chubby gay men) performing burlesque to the likes of Madonna, Kylie and 'Flashdance'. Knitting Circles are huge in London right now;
Stitch and Bitch meets weekly at various venues and knitters of all abilities are welcome.
London's best bars
Trailer Happiness is a Hawaiian-kitsch themed cocktail heaven with the most tempting and extensive cocktail list in town. Watch out for the potent warm grogs. Black Gardenia (93 Dean Street) is a little slice of the Soho of old — a tiny basement boozer whose clientele have stepped straight out of the 1950s, right down to the quiffs and brothel creepers. If you want the feel of a swanky members only bar without having to be a member, try
Milk and Honey (members only after 11pm), although you have to book in advance. The cocktails are world-class and the speakeasy feel creates great ambience.
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