Decoration is simple and it is all part of the charm. It has this warm and friendly touch from the south of the US -  the colours, the sense of humour, the welcome, the menu with home-cooked food and excellent prices. People relax instantly -  no need to pretend, businessmen get rid of their tie, families share combos, friends cheer to a beautiful day spent together. A whole mix of people brought together by the atmosphere.

We stopped by at the end of a sunny afternoon and decided to enjoy the blue sky a little longer, sitting at one of the outside tables. It just called for a Pina Colada, the perfect holiday touch, velvety touch of the coconut sweetened by the rum and a generous serving of fresh pineapple juice. The range of cocktail is large, some are served in jugs. Children can enjoy milk-shakes like the fab Graceland (vanilla, peanut butter, banana) and parents an upgraded version spiked with alcohol.  Below is the Pirates of the Caribbean, mixing vanilla ice cream, rum, coconut cream -  the little plus that makes such a difference -  fresh mint. Oh, and it leaves delicious moustaches too.

We could not choose in the long list of starters -  chicken wings with voodoo sauce? Deep fried calamari?  Fresh shucked oysters? Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers? Our waitress came to the rescue, advising the mussels, which fragrance is divine. those have been cooked in a beautiful sauce of onions and white wine, even enjoyable on its own, spoonful after spoonful. Do try the roasted potato skins too, with a fluffy mash enhanced with spring onions and loaded with mature cheddar. Add a little sour cream for extra pleasure. Beware, if you came with kids they will make those disappear in no time so race them!

One of the specialties is a royal dish indeed -  lobster. Oh my, what a treat! The team goes to the market on a daily basis to ensure the best quality and the freshest produce. In top restaurants, you will need to empty your wallet for a tiny piece presented beautifully. Here the deal is much more honest: the whole beast, a 2lb lobsters with fries and salad for only £19.95 (every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5pm). You read that right a whole kilo, the most delicate flesh, almost sweet. Of course, you will have to forget elegance. The whole fun is into using your fingers, crack the shell, extract as much as you can. Greediness will reveal unsuspected dexterity and textures vary whether it is the tender insides, the leg, the claw. A few minutes and you will understand better the plastic bib brought with the plate. Yes, the picture will make your friends smile yet put it on FB with a few words about your dinner and they will all be envious (and probably will try the place within days). The lobster is served with a choice of three sauces -  sweet chili, Hollandaise and our favourite Thermidor with a touch of mustard. Other great ideas -  the possibility to have crab instead or even a plate of both steak and lobster.

Big Easy also is famous for their barbecued meat.  The house sauce is almost caramelised, slightly smoked. Some cross the whole town for it. “We Serve Only The Biggest & The Best”, they say and they do not lie. The portions are gorgeous AND amazingly huge. Still no meat lover would accept to leave a single forkful of it.  The menu offers a selection of back ribs, chicken, combination of both and even a version with grilled shrimps, each with creamy coleslaw, fries (French or thick) and BBQ beans to die for. It has a Western movie dimension to it, cowboys sitting close to a camp fire on a starry night.

Keep some space for dessert, if only to share the waffles. Apple-cinnamon, strawberry-sugar syrup, chocolate sauce, each matched to a crunchy basket filled with vanilla ice-cream. So lovely you will want to order another one. Share? Ah, what a silly idea that was.

Before coming for lunch or dinner, don’t forget to check the deal of the day on the website. On Mondays for example, you can indulge in the “All you can eat BBQ” for £14.95, beer included. I do not know any guy who would refuse such an offer. On some evenings, there will also be live music -  just the perfect place to celebrate life with friends, an address to cherish.

Big Easy
332-334 Kings Road
Chelsea
London, SW3 5UR

Like taking your loved one to share a White Cosmopolitan at Bar Boulud. This is one of the trendiest, must-be-seen-at places in town so make sure you book first.

It is all about the surprise. In your martini glass, rose petals or gorgeous edible flowers are sealed in a jewel of ice. They will unfold slowly as it melts. A jug containing your cocktail is brought separately, to be poured on top.

The dancing notes of Cointrau, vodka and white cranberry have never tasted that good…

Bar Boulud
Mandarin Oriental
66 Knightsbridge
London SW1X 7LA

In London too, the parties will be on. Kilts may not always be there but you can be sure haggis and whisky will be on the table.

If you love refined dishes, rush to the Rib Room. Nestled in the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, this stylish restaurant is too little known. I was lucky to discover the special menu for Burns Night and was wowed by it. Scotland at his very best.

First - traditions. It is important to bring a toast (or a collection of them). And so we raised our glass with this beautiful drink of Slàinte (cheers in Gaelic). The secret of this very floral nectar? A clever mix of Hendrick’s gin, vermouth and heather honey. It is a real pleasure to leave it linger on the tongue to better appreciate its sweet, complex texture.

And then the feast begins. So much care has been brought to the starter that I turned my plate again and again to see all the details. Slightly pickled ribbons of carrots, beautiful rolls made of beetroot, sweet salad with herbs, crouton made of such a thin slice of seeded bread it looked like delicate lace, and serving of creamy Crowdie cheese sprinkled with roasted walnuts for a crunchy effect…

Follow sea flavours -  pan-fried scallops matched with almost sugary baby onion. The croquette is a real surprise. Using the ingredients of a Cullen Skink  (potato and haddock) in the most exquisite bite -  crisp on the outside, opening on unctuous heart concentrating the tastes where the smoked side of the fish dominates.

Worth noting -  the extraordinary work of Louise Gordon, the sommelier. For here, the wine, spirit and cigar list (the restaurant will soon open its own terrace for the guests to appreciate the latter even more) is on Ipad. What a fabulous idea -  such fluidity in the search, so much information compiled from the picture of the product to detail about the grapes, the region, maps if wished. And so you get curious, looking further and further. You can fully grasp the amount of work this represented, creating mouthwatering descriptions for each selection in store, compiling a whole file each time.

Louise had selected two gems to match the menu. Attitude is a creation by the Pascal Jolivet brand -  frank, modern, it dances in the mouth, blooming on green apple, kiwi, lime. A perfect alliance with creaminess and fish. For the more complex meat to come will be served a New-Zealand Wild Rock Gravel Pit Red . Merlot and Malbec bring a gorgeous explosion of red fruit, plum and violet and marvelous round tannins.

But wait, haggis is now brought on a silver tray, the king of the evening. Our friend Donald will recite the ode to this dish. To be frank, being French, I only understand 1 word out of 5 but still the text flows, lyrical, brings out pride and definitely makes quite an impression. Clapping could not be helped and was well deserved!

The haggis, once sliced, is associated with a fabulous dish of venison, tender and pink, strong seducing character. On the side, a casserole of parsnip, apple and chestnut remind of autumn and forest walks. The spiced mince, which texture has been enhanced with oats, is the best I have tasted so far (and the Wolseley’s is quite something too) -  just make sure you let it absorb some of the juices too for extra happiness…

Keep some space for dessert! A great occasion to (re)discover the cranachan -  silky whipped cream with fresh raspberries and scooped in the most inviting way. Chocolate lovers will not resist the cloud-like chocolate and Drambuie mousse, absolutely divine and generous in alcohol! The Dundee soufflé cake  is quite a signature dish, a caress with very moist raisins.

Unless you prefer homemade Tunnocks, a more gourmet version of the kids’ treat? High quality chocolate, vanilla touch in the mallow and the most tender cake base. Really, they should sell boxes of those. Just saying.

The Rib Room as we saw earlier are quite skilled in cocktails too. Their mixologist can even juggle with fire:

This Flaming Bobby Burns has the most fascinating amber colour. It brings out caramel, the complexity of Vermouth and the spice of Benedictine. A few orange essential oil drops from the zest and your cheeks will pink up nicely, trust me.

Don’t leave yet, you have to sip on some whisky too and they offer a formidable range indeed. My heart always melts for Lagavulin -  robust, round, smoked, it makes me think of chimney fires.

Do ask about their chocolate truffles: the banana one has nothing to envy of the best chocolatiers in town. Glossy ganache, exotic notes, this is the perfect conclusion.

Verdict: well, a sudden thought in the midst of the dinner probably sums it best – So good it could be French !
The menu for 5 dishes (cocktail, Crowdie, scallops, haggis & venison, trio of desserts, coffee and Tunnock) costs £50 per person. Wine & whiskies are on top.

Can’t come for Burns Night -  well the excellence is a daily must here. And look at the lunch menu – £25 for three dishes whithin walking distance of Harvey Nichols is the best deal ever in this area…

The Rib Room
Jumeirah Carlton Tower
On Cadogan Place
London SW1X 9PY

The Lobby bar, elegant and spacious, has been my favourite meeting place recently. Imagine enjoying an afternoon tea (and believe me, their Battenberg is worth stopping for) or a cocktail here, amidst works of art and floral scenes… The tables are set to create mini-lounges and facilitate conversation, the atmosphere therefore cozy, intimate. You never have to raise your voice to make yourself heard, which in London is quite precious indeed.

Ideally, if it is just the two of you, try and get a space at the bar. The mixologists here have style. I expect Bond could not do better would he consider a change of career – something in the elegance of the gestures, even the way they pour the drink. Ask for one of their flamed cocktails -  the preparation is fascinating. Rory Slater, their Food and Beverage Director mentioned on the hotel’s Facebook page(worth following as they also include London tips!) he is looking at creating a signature drink which would become as iconic as the Singapore Sling is to the Raffles Hotel. I certainly will be delighted to discover this – watch that space!

The lounge also welcomes children and has mocktails on the menu (although I have seen them challenged with a glass of warm milk with a touch of cocoa sprinkled on top and yes, they will get it for you with a smile). Louise*Anne, whose favourite colour as you can guess is pink, never hesitated: the Smooth Berries (£6) had her name on it. Blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, pomegranate and cranberry juice – 5 a day in a glass! The waitress even brought a second straw so she could share with her favourite fluffy bear as well as a plate of homemade biscuits in case she did not like the savoury mix. At that, my daughter whispered to me: Is it like that every day in a princess’ life?

Note this down – dessert cocktails. What a fabulous idea to finish a meal on a lighter note or simply add a little more magic after seeing a musical -  after all you are in the heart of theatreland. You will fall for the Sweet Temptation (£11.50) : lemon sorbet mixed with gin, pistachio liqueur (how had I not heard about this before?) and almond oil. Close your eyes and dream of Italy. It is very addictive and you will need sip after sip to get the full extent. This will make you forget your love for chocolate treats!

It is easy to chat the whole evening there. Yet at some point you are bound to feel hungry. No need to run around Covent Garden, just go to the first floor to discover Indigo. How pleasant to dine sitting in real armchairs, being able to put your arms down and relax the whole body! If you can, ask for a table near the balcony to glimpse down on the Lobby Bar. The sight reminds me of Vienna Cafés – musical sounds of glasses being cheered, silkiness of dresses, candles flames dancing. I expected the guests to suddenly start waltzing.

Through the arched windows, you can see the Lyceum where the Lion King is played. Shrek is also a street away – ideal with kids, you can walk everywhere.

Children have their own menu. The selection offers classics such as fresh spaghettis with homemade tomato sauce, mini-hamburgers. But also soups, chicken salad, yakitori brochettes. The quality of those dishes, I have found usually is lesser than adults’ portions in restaurants but not here -  I tried the fish & chips: just excellent. The team will also adapt to the family needs. My son fell in love with the sesame seed bread: the staff offered him a few more slices. My daughter fancied a simple apple for dessert: they found her one. Always with a smile, finding each request perfectly normal. This, to parents, is simply priceless.

Let me warn you. Shall you decide to keep on reading, your mouth will water and you will end up emptying your fridge. I know because I have just worked on the pictures and done this exact thing. Look at this amazing presentation of the crab tempura (£15) -  how refined, how tempting! Delicate flesh, grilled scallops, seaweeds for an additional sea touch, a little dill, touches of juicy grapefruit, orange, lime, bites of gorgeous sea bass infused with saffron, dollops of cream with herbs. Refreshing and ever so different from anything you have tried before – you won’t leave a single crumb in your plate.

The fish soup (£7) also is succulent. A light texture but filled with flavours. No need for the usual sauce, better enjoy this first class mix on its own, or maybe just some baguette croutons. At the first spoonful, you will realise how generous in clams and mussels it is. A wonderful winter option, especially if you have just walked in the cold. Ever so comforting.

As main dish, we really need to give an award to the Cumbrian chicken (Chef Tony Fleming sources as much as he can British products). The most tender I have ever tried, reducing any conversation to a mmmmh. And I do cook an excellent one myself. What is the secret? An extra ingredient? I really felt like going to spy in the kitchens. This sits on a bed of cauliflower mash enriched with tarragon jus. On the side where rich cèpes which made me nostalgic of the Bordeaux region where they are a favourite dish -  these tastes just like the way we serve them at home. perfectly cooked purple broccoli sprout added a perfect more peppery note.

Having recently succumbed to the luxury of truffles, I ordered these poached eggs infused with this exceptional mushroom. Ah, la, la mes amis -  as the Froggies usually exclaim. An exceptional polenta, creamy, melting in the mouth. The egg offered a rich golden yolk. All around, wild mushrooms in a dense parmesan cream, that you will let linger on your tongue. All this crowned with shavings of truffles. I could easily enjoy this for breakfast, lunch and dinner and never tire of it. It takes quite some skills to balance these very strong flavours so elegantly without saturating the palate.

We chose an Argentinian white wine to match the dishes -  quite a discovery for me as I usually go for Malbecs. Almond, oak, vanilla -  I will definitely need to investigate more about this region! We were delighted to see the sweet options included Canadian Ice Wine, too rarely served in London.

One Aldwych have thought of their guests with a sweet tooth -  meaning people like me who start reading the menu by the dessert part then select the rest of their meal accordingly. I was spoilt for choice. Apples with Sauternes jelly and mini-doughnuts, banoffee macarons, all chocolate plate… I could have gone for a starter-main-treat all in this section but I am told that it is not reasonable and not a good example for the kids. Such a pity. Ask about their  10 after 10 offer, though: a glass of wine and a dessert for £10 after 10pm. A delicious idea to discuss a theater play for example…

Lemon fans have to try this citrus assortment (£7). Slices of candied orange, a moist sponge cake so fragrant it wins your heart even before the fist bite, a mille-feuilles of lemon shortbreads with layers of thick vanilla cream, tangy lemon curd, orange and lime zest in a sugar syrup. Crunchy, tender, unctuous.

If you are after exotism, have the lemongrass parfait (£7), ideal to conclude such a feast. Biscuit moist with the juices of caramelised pineapple, spice up with star anise, topped with a lemongrass cloud-like mousse and some fresh pineapple. Divine. It is served with a verrine on the same theme but different textures such as this tropical granite. Someone has to tell Pierre Hermé to come and try it.

I cannot believe this restaurant does not have a Michelin star yet -  it certainly deserves it. Rush before it gets too famous -  especially as the pre & post theatre offers (17.30-19.00 then 22.00-23.15 or 22.30 on Sundays) are quite well prices: £18.5 for 2 courses and £21.75 for 3.

(To be followed -  breakfast at One Aldwych is quite something too)

One Aldwych
London
WC2B 4BZ

I much prefer to have a band of friends at home. Table covered with small and big bowls of various food, everyone using their plate as a palette, association of tastes they would not have thought of creating before. Why not do the same with cocktails? It works wonders to break the ice with new comers and will put forward creativity.

Tesco Real Food has thought of this – their website proposes no less than 65 manageable recipes to make your life easier and your cheeks rosier. Even better, you just need to choose you two main ingredients from the lists, how sweet or dry you prefer it, the complexity (shaken, stirred, blended), the type of glass you have and tadaaaa! Appears a list of choices, each more mouthwatering than the other.

To inspire me, Tesco sent me a huge box with everything I need – material and samples – to create a seasonal magic potion of my own. A two-piece shaker, spoon, strainer, muddler, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon and lime and must haves such as Bombay Sapphire. I only have to add a few things from my kitchen and get going.

When I close my eyes and think of Christmas, I can smell cinnamon and sugar caramelising in cakes, hot drinks being sipped in front of the chimney, tangerines picked with cloves. Perefct inspiration -  I start by making a spiced syrup. Nothing simpler really. In a saucepan, add 120g sugar with two cinnmon sticks, 2 open vanilla pods, one star anis, a little grated nutmeg. As for liquid, 25cl water, 25cl mandarin juice (Tesco sells some or you can just press it as you would it for an orange), a little lime juice. Bring it to a boil then simmer softly for ten minutes. Leave to rest for a while.

Next – infuse a handful of raisins in 20cl cognac (my favourite remains Remy Martin VSOP – beautiful notes of vanilla and apricot. Such an interesting change from whisky, give it a try!) and 10cl Disaronno, this Italian liqueur that smells wonderfully of almonds (perfect for tiramisus, by the way). Discard the raisins – they can be used in baking later on. Pour in the shaker, use a straw to taste just a little, add some of the spiced syrup to taste. Shake. Both parts of the shaker will lock into each other – Carom‘s mixologist showed me you just need to tap at the junction to unblock it. Taste again, add more sugary syrup if needed.

Inspired by The Mist tasted at the One Aldwych, I warmed this in a saucepan for 20 seconds before flaming it and pouring in resistant glasses – always a wow effect. Add a lovely finish -  twist a zest of tangerine (any citrus will do -  grapefruit would work too for this recipe) along the rim.  Darling Clementine – cheers, my friends and remember to enjoy reasonably and responsibly!

Pssst - more yummy recipes on Tesco Real Food‘s website

A visit at Carom painted my day in bright colours. This bar, right in the heart of Soho, mixes the most exotic cocktails with ginger, rose, litchee, cumin, jasmin, lemongrass… Sun in a glass. Let me warn you -  there is no stopping at one either so do come with (many) friends to sip through quite a selection. My favourite -  love at first sip – remains the Bangalore Cooler,in which fresh cardamom is crushed then mixed with whisky, pear, maple syrup. A little marvel and a wwonderful occasion to taste an Indian whisky too – Amrut. Golden, warm, fruity. I ordered a bottle online on my way back home -  say it all.

And if you’re looking for a festive time -  ask about their cocktail masterclasses. How wonderful to see the bar from the other side, learn a few tricks, invent your own signature cocktail. Mine was a dance of saffron gin, rose syrup, lime and orange juice. A liquid Turkish Delight. I was so taken in the atmosphere I was slightly disappointed not to see any palmtrees in the street…

The Christmas touch:
* Beware, Santa invasion!
* Be generous too! Bring your unwanted gifts at the Etsy grotto. They may well make the happiness of another kind heart.
* A Christmas tree by Lanvin? Wow.

That’s art, baby:
* East Berlin steps in Shoreditch.
* Rediscover Dickens.
* Space Invaders invasion at the Outsiders.

Yummy time:
* Fancy a pint of cider?
* Add a slice of Caraibean in your winter.

Take the little ones along:
* A wonderful atmosphere: the Somerset House organises free storytelling under the gorgeous Tiffany Christmas Tree.
* Skate for free at the Scoop -  slide along!
* Nostalgic moment: a Muppet Show movie.

A touch of magic:
* Moomins arrive in Covent Garden.
* For gentlemen who prefer to wait the very last minute to do their Xmas shopping -  book now!

Lost gloves. Blowing on my fingertips, in vain.

Pushing the door of the One Aldwych, sudden cocoon of warmth.

Sitting at the bar, cheeks pinking up slightly, smiling.

Choosing and changing my mind a hundred times.

Spellbinded by The Mist.

Hypnotised.

Dancing blue flame of the Calvados.

Vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, Szechuan pepper.

A slice of dried apple, a swirl of delicious aromas.

A nectar to be sipped delicately.

Sugary lips, dreamy gaze.

The cold? Bring it on.

The Mist, £11.50 in the seasonal menu.
Love flamed cocktail? Then do try the Wild Essence too: vanilla and honey,
orange, cacao liqueur, bergamot.

One Aldwych Hotel
1 Aldwych
 London, WC2B 4BZ

So very kitsch yet it does trigger a slight nostalgia -  happy times.

For this year’s cocktail week, Hendrick’s Gin has decided to bring those umbrellas back to the scene. How? By setting up one of their fabulous pop-ups that willl welcome a bar (hoorray!) and also a fun collections of those parasols. Even better they will create new models for the modern barmen. You will also get a chance, in exchange for their always-perfect G&T, to design your own -  the very best will be sent into production. Entry is free so go and say hello to the team!

Hendrick’s Unusual Umbrella Emporium
65 Monmouth St
Covent Garden
London WC2H 9DG
Wednesday 12th October, 5pm – Saturday 15th October open midday to 11pm every day.

There are also worskshops to join:

* Discover gin in litterature -  this spirit has inspired so many writers by its complexity and charm. Come and listen to delicious quotes while sipping on cocktails. £10 – all drinks included, 13th & 14th October 18.00-19.00

* Understand (and taste!) the quintessence of gin – you will learn all about its composition, distillation and of course what makes Hendrick’s so very unique. £10 – tasting included, 13th & 14th October 14.00-15.30

To discover a little more about Hendrick’s world:
* Carriage of Curiosities
* Hendrick’s refined courtship clinic
* Of tea, legends, adventures and G&T

* Dance in a very French atmosphere at the V&A.

* Have a look at a real space capsule.

* Try hoola-hooping again.

* Indulge in a Tolkien night.

* Rediscover the treasures of St Paul.

* Chiswick park turns symphonic.

* The best response to riots? A lot of love and a little art.

* London really is the home to strange but fun museums.

* Discover a secret garden in Spitafields.

* Beach souvenirs from London-on-sea.

* How would you recycle routemasters?

* Cycle through the city.

* Ping-pong and cocktails. Or vice-versa.

Psst: from August 24 to the 26th, Soho Square will be deliciously Swedish. Come and discover the sweetest pop-up, enjoy a cup of real coffee with one of the amazing traditional treats!

The trick is to mention a gentleman’s afternoon tea instead. And the best place for this in town is the Mandeville Hotel. Belive me, once tried, he will be the one asking to go back!

How to make his mouth water? Easy. Just innocently mention the savoury delicacies it includes like the salted foccacia, flavoured with herbs, and its oh-so-tender slice of steak, its fragrant shallot chutney. Or the gorgeous parmesan crips with its delicate spoonful of cream cheese and asparagus. That there is no need to choose, that it is a real feast for tastebuds. That on the side of the same plate is the most wonderful crunchy olive bread, topped by a generous portion of salmon tartare, perfectly balanced with capres and shallots… Not to forget the mini-cheeseburger, the best he will have ever tasted, with really juicy meat.

Remind him that it does not matter if he is not so much a tea person. he could have a glass of champagne instead or why not an aromatic whisky?

Don’t forget to tell him about the sweets too because he will fall for them too. There will be scones, of course, still warm, light texture, soft and comforting. No girly cupcake but an extraordinary vanilla panna cotta on a sugary basil cream. Did he know the tart is made with an extraordinary chocolate mousse? That the macaron is the perfect size to be dipped in the raspberry and strawberry juice? And yes, it is an exquisite mix. So is the banana cake with a mmmmmmh-effect.

Let him dream about the cocktails too. You will pass the elegant counter of the bar on your way to the salon de thé. Maybe you could mention their amazing creations, such as the wasabi martini, peppery, deliciously different from everything else you have tasted before. Or the glowing apple with its warm, vibrant calavdos and roasted apple notes. Or just explain that the barman infuses some of the spirits himself and will be delighted to explain the intriguing ingredients in jars and bottles around him. And who knows, you might even see this almost magical St Lucia’s tea punch, spicy and refreshing, lemony and tangy, hypnotising…

So what about you? Just take your most enigmatic smile. He will ask when, how, where, why haven’t you booked yet. Just close your eyes and think about your own afternoon tea, served in a delicate china designed by Zandra Rhodes. Isn’t the cup made entirely of chocolate, handle included, ever so tempting with its fresh starwberries? And look at that meringue -  a pure eatable jewel. Even the cupcake is particularly ontuous with its buttercream icing. It is all in the detail, down to the icing sugar on your scones. Makes you feel like taking a picture of absolutely everything. Oh, and there is no way you will share.

Verdict? The perfect His and Hers pause, chic and ever so tasty, the kind you thought only existed in glossy magazines. You know, looking back at the pictures, I just wish I could take a spoon and get a bite of each treat again. Be quick – it is already said on twitter this is one of the best afternoon teas in town so go and try it before it is overbooked! Think of them too for a cocktail at the end of the day: Oxford street and Selfridges are just 5mn walk away -  ideal place to finish a wonderful day shopping.

Teatime at the Mandeville Hotel – £26.50 (£32.50 with champagne or whisky)
Mandeville Place
London W1U 2BE

Teatime in Wonderland was a guest of the Mandeville Hotel.