!VAR HAGENDOORN

London Restaurants

London's restaurant scene is notoriously dynamic. Some restaurants are hyped before they're even open and have closed again before you can finally book a table for two at a reasonable time.

Restaurants in London also seem to be getting more and more expensive, but with the pound sliding towards parity with the euro they are becoming more reasonably priced in euros.

My current favourites are Pasha, because of its exuberant decor. The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, next to The Ritz and almost opposite the Royal Academy. A restaurant and brasserie in a wonderful setting and best of all, in addition to taking reservations, they have a first-come first-serve policy, meaning that you can just try your luck if you don't know 4 weeks in advance when you'll be in London. The food is OK, though nothing special, and yes, pricey.

I still like the Fifth Floor at Harvey Nichols as a place for a prix fixe lunch, served between 12 and 3pm.

Oxo Tower is another long standing favourite. Good food and a great view of the London skyline.

There are a lot of Indian restaurants in London. Maida, 148-150 Bethnal Green Road, is one of my favourites. A clean, modern, no-nonsense setting and plain good food.