Crouch End, the London setting for numerous movies and even a horror short-story by Steven King is now home to a new restaurant. St James, on the site of Florians, hopes to bring in the neighbourhood crowd and with their sophisticated menu, attract diners from all over London. The new venue has a smart bar, a small, semi-private room ideal for groups, a bright restaurant, and a peaceful patio area.

Don’t worry. You’ll still be able to order Strada’s famous hand-spun pizzas or pasta and risotto favourites. But now that the new menu is out, you can begin your meal with tasty starters like Gnocchi alla Bava – gnocchi with a Fontina Valdostana cheese sauce, and Ribollita – a rustic, hearty Tuscan soup providing a taste of rural Italy.

Following the success of his Lyonnais lunch menu, Jean-Christophe Ansanay-Alex has introduced a special “Traditions de Noel” lunch menu for December at Ambassade de l’Ile in Lyons. The holiday menu costs £35 and offers a selection of amuses bouches, followed by Duck Fois Gras au Torchon, with toasted Mousseline Brioche and Quince Ketchup. The beginning courses are followed by Veal, Duck and Pork Pie à la Bourgoise. The meal concludes with a selection of sweets and friandises and a cheese course is available for an additional cost.

If you like your Italian food as authentic as possible try Rossopomodoro. Located in the heart of Notting Hill this split level eatery is flying the flag for all things Italian.

Refettorio, The Crowne Plaza London The City’s Italian Restaurant Celebrates Giorgio Locatelli’s New Book ‘Made in Sicily’ with a Sicilian Promotion