Restaurants and Cafes

Spanish/Japanese

Set atop the former Dickins & Jones building, Aqua’s three separate spaces are a bit like a department store themselves – with cocktails, Spanish and Japanese food on offer, a mix of classic and modern décor thrown in for good measure and a large bull that greets you as you enter. A somewhat strange fusion, but suitably stylish.

Classic British

Classy in a cosy way, Bedford & Strand presents a smart take on traditional British and French favourites in a relaxed space in Covent Garden. With old fashioned fixtures and wood floors, it’s a welcoming place to head for a quick bite after the shows if you’re not in the mood for anything ultra-fancy but still want something proper.

British

With successful ventures in Farringdon and down on the coast in Lyme Regis, it was only a matter of time before Mark Hix brought his signature British fayre to central London. With works by Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Tim Noble and Sue Webster – and a new venture in Selfridges due in March – Hix proves classic doesn’t need to mean boring.

Japanese

After a rethink of its very OTT (not to mention expensive) previous incarnation, Kyashii returns as a more down-to-earth experience – though the sleekly minimal interior is anything but. Pretend you’re in a spaceship or an undersea James Bond base as you sample sublime sushi amid aquariums and gleaming white plastic.

Italian

Set just beyond the bustle of Tottenham Court Road, Mennula serves up Sicilian specialities in a sleek, simple space. Start with the assorted almonds which give the place its name and finish with shaved White Truffle from Alba – or take advantage of their set course lunch for a break from shopping.

Italian

Our urge to move to Italy is gradually eroding thanks to restaurants like Polpo, where you can graze on traditional (and insanely reasonable) chichetti, seafood and slow-cooked meat dishes amid the evening buzz that makes London in general – and Soho in particular – so great. They don’t take bookings so grab a small glass of wine and soak it in. The owner wanted the place to feel ‘like it’s been around a hundred years’ – we hope it lasts even longer!