tried and tasted

After-work dinners needn?t always be elaborate, but sometimes sophistication is still a key selling point, writes Molly Dyson. Late Night London?s The Sterling, located on the ground floor of the Gherkin in the City of London, offers a posh setting with a relaxed atmosphere and delicious, high-class ?pub grub?. It features plenty of indoor seating, as well as al fresco…

London restaurants are going up in the world – quite literally, writes Colette Doyle. Long-time stalwarts such as the Paramount at Centre Point have been joined by newcomers including Sushisamba at Heron Tower and Aqua at the Shard. And now there’s City Social, (pictured) located on the 24th floor of Tower 42, close to the City’s Liverpool Street. The latest…

Some people are daunted by the thought of a large menu, but not me – I’m more likely to feel cheated at the thought of a meagre selection, so it’s with some trepidation that I go to visit Le Coq, writes Colette Doyle. This Islington restaurant serves up just one principal dish and the clue is in the name: chicken.…

In a city full of restaurants, those looking for a place that offers something slightly different sometimes have to dig a bit deeper to find a real gem, writes Molly Dyson. Moti Mahal claims to be the only restaurant in London equipped with a thatee (clamp) grill, which you can see the cooks using thanks to a huge window between…

London restaurants are going up in the world – quite literally, writes Colette Doyle. Long-time stalwarts such as the Paramount at Centre Point have been joined by newcomers including Sushisamba at Heron Tower and Aqua at the Shard. And now there’s City Social, located on the 24th floor of Tower 42, close to the City’s Liverpool Street. The latest venture…

In the modern age of creative cocktails and innovative food, a restaurant offering delicious dishes and drinks that rival the fanciest bars is a rare find, writes Molly Dyson. Silk & Grain is one such place, while also providing a stylish, relaxed environment. The atmosphere here is ideal for both lunch meetings and post-work drinks. On the ground floor you’ve…

A lot of dining establishments these days rely on gimmicks – sharing plates, cocktails served in jam jars, or placing your order via a touchscreen table, writes Colette Doyle. Orso is one of those reassuringly old-fashioned places that doesn’t need to resort to any such trickery; the emphasis here is on genuinely good Italian food that uses the finest fresh…

In a world where cooking food is an art form, restaurants need to impress on multiple fronts – having a great menu isn’t enough anymore and this is giving rise to trendy venues where the décor is as important as the dishes, writes Molly Dyson. Luckily for the City, places such as Forge are becoming the norm. Its unique steam…

The Goring is one of those hotels that can justifiably be called “a bastion”, upholding civilised behaviour and impeccable good manners, writes Colette Doyle. Run by CEO Jeremy, who represents the fourth generation of the Goring family, this venerable property is a long-time favourite of the residents of nearby Buckingham Palace and can lay claim to being the first hotel…

Sushi restaurants should no longer be perceived as in-and-out affairs where the dishes float past you on a constantly moving conveyor belt, writes Molly Dyson. Since the cuisine has become such a popular choice for the UK’s up-and-coming generation of creative business people, these establishments have turned into swanky modern venues. Uni is no exception, with its recessed lighting and…

My previous visits to Inn the Park have all been to grab a bottle of water or a quick bite to eat at its self-service café during walks through St James’s Park, writes Molly Dyson. Having sat down for brunch recently, I’m now glad I’ve had a chance to experience a proper meal at this Peyton and Byrne-run restaurant. It’s…

Think of American food and what usually comes to mind is hot dogs, pancakes, ribs, burgers and anything groaning under the weight of its own carb-laden content, writes Colette Doyle. Avenue, however, is a modern American restaurant that claims to “capture the buzz of the New York dining scene” and has about as much in a common with a golden…

Sometimes all you want for an evening business dinner is a comfortable and relaxed setting, yet one that still provides sophisticated food and entertainment, writes Molly Dyson. Boisdale does exactly that at its Canary Wharf location – founder Ranald Macdonald started the business to share his passion for Scotland, whisky, cigars and jazz. When my partner and I arrive we’re…

Given that there’s a Chinese restaurant on just about every UK high street, going to one for dinner isn’t usually that special an experience, but Hutong is in a class of its own, writes Colette Doyle. For a start, the setting is simply breathtaking: perched on level 33 of the impressive Shard building, the views are guaranteed to get your…

The City of London is known for its swanky restaurants and cocktail bars that cater for resident high-class bankers and business people, but it’s also home to some of the capital’s most interesting niche eateries. La Tagliata is tucked away on a quiet side road away from the buzzing atmosphere of Liverpool Street and is a place where sophistication meets…

Japanese restaurants can be intimidating, aloof places with arcane menus and stratospheric prices. Benihana offers a different experience, combining delicious and accessible dining with realistic pricing in a fun and friendly atmosphere, writes Colette Doyle. The space at the Piccadilly branch is capacious yet welcoming, filled with a buzzy vibe. The set-up is quite theatrical, with genial chefs showing off…

After the outcome of the recent referendum on independence, Scotland remains part of the UK but is still different in many ways – the country has its own parliament, laws, education system and language. At the Hilton Glasgow City Centre the Morblas restaurant takes its name from the indigenous Gaelic and translates as “great taste”, writes Colette Doyle. The hotel…

The menu at the rooftop bar at this Meliá Hotels property says it all: Tapas con vistas, which translates as “tapas with views” and what views they are to be sure, taking in such iconic sights as Tower Bridge, St Paul’s and the Houses of Parliament, writes Colette Doyle. The property – a member of Meliá’s hip ME brand, designed…