Caleya

Some critics have had a pop at Caleya’s decoration and style, but I rather like it. Bright and modern and with chairs that boast extra wide seats, presumably for extra wide bums, it’s friendly and cheerful but is also a tale of bi-polar cooking. Starters and desserts of true genius, mains of less than perfection.

A lesson in Teacher’s

As the Teacher’s master blender unscrews the cap and pours two glasses, then adds a splash of water to one, the effect is alchemical – the aroma, leaping from the whisky as the water goes in, fills the air with festive smells of fruit, cinnamon and everything you would find in a fat Xmas pudding. That’s the 45% malt talking and the water is what makes it sing.

Stanza

You will find Stanza on the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue and Greek Street, opposite the fire station. Set in the heart of buzzy theatreland, the restaurant has a lot to offer.

Mehek

Just a five minute walk from Moorgate station, Mehek nestles under the overhanging office buildings just short of where London Wall meets Moorgate. A modern, but comfortable and popular Indian restaurant..

I should coco – well bread at Cocomaya

Beautiful breads of all descriptions tumble off shelves, and for those with not much to do of an afternoon, then a sit down tea has to be worth having. I tried a selection of filled rolls, brioches and fancy pastries and all were perfect and nicely set off by the shop’s bleached wood interior. Delicious quiches too, as well as fruit tarts and savoury biscuits.