Kanteen

As much thought has gone into creating Kanteen as K-West, the designer hotel it belongs to, is obvious from the moment you step into the trendy restaurant on a mezzanine floor above the buzzy bar.

Luxurious rich blue and red leather seating is very modernly matched with dark wood tables that contrast with pale wood floors. No wonder the local media (BBC TV Centre is nearby) crowd feel so at home.

Executive Chef, Stephen Spooner (who once ran the kitchen at the Lord Mayor's official residence in Dublin) offers a modern eclectic menu of exciting surprises including tempura pak choi, and confit of chicken with parcels of Parma ham stuffed with risotto and pesto. Dessert offers simpler pleasures such as chocolate fondant, and lemon tart.