Pimlico, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“Going from strength to strength... surviving a flood in its first year... then Covid… it shines triumphant!” – owner Katie Exton “has dedication in abundance” and her “superb and fairly priced” Pimlico favourite is the result. That the “lovely and intimate” room can also appear “a little understated” is the nearest any report gets to a criticism; and most are a full-on hymn of praise to its “stunning, clean-flavoured seasonal food” served with “enthusiasm and knowledge”. La patronne is a top sommelier and “pound for pound her brilliant, eclectic and accessible wine list is one of the best in London; punching well above its weight for a restaurant of its size and price-point”.

One of “London’s best kept foodie secrets”, where you act as a guinea pig for the next generation of the UK hospitality trade within Westminster Kingsway College, on leafy Vincent Square. There are two restaurants: the relaxed ‘Brasserie’ and more formal ‘Escoffier Room’, where “the cooking by third-year students is often Michelin quality”, while “the service by first years is lovely… if a bit rough at the edges”. Not only is a meal here “terrific value (£35 for 5-course tasting menu, ditto wine pairings)”, you also “support budding culinary careers”.

“A great option near Victoria” – this indie venue in the stylish Eccleston Yards project provides a comfy spot for its Josper-grilled steaks, other grills from ‘sea, land and field’ and fish tartares. It’s “relatively simple fare” but well-realised from a wide variety of menus, including Sunday roasts. And the venue “makes a virtue of its converted warehouse space” with “very friendly” service that helps it win votes both for business and as a good spot to spend “a lovely lazy afternoon”. Top Tip – wonderful outside dining in summer.