Carom at Meza

Carrom is a game I used to play when a little girl. The board had intricate patternings and holes into which you’d flick counters. It may sound delicate but the competition was sharp. Slit eyes and hexes were rife. I was expecting to see a little more carrom thematic going on at D&D’s new Carom restaurant in Soho before I realised I’d confused it with carom – that’s one “r” – the spice.

Charlottes Bistro Game Night January 2012

Punchy mouthfuls with a huge aftermath sum up this evening – an exciting menu that explores the best of this season’s game, at a special game night on 23rd January at Charlotte’s Bistro in Chiswick. With a Michelin Bib Gourmand, it’s worth the 20 minute tube journey to experience chef Wesley Smalley’s award-winning skills. Get there like a shot, recommends Joanna Biddolph.

Roganic

Roganic is picky, both in terms of where the plated ingredients are sourced and how they choose to construct them. Each course is like a well rehearsed act, requiring you to gawp, question and discuss. It’s superb stuff, but I want to eat not talk. Over a five-hour seating and 15 courses, there is time for both. But it’s not cheap

Danesfield House, Marlow

At Danesfield boxes are ticked, effortlessly. Plaudits firstly for service – which was exemplary. At the main door I had one of the warmest and most sincere welcomes I think I’ve ever received (bar the day I offered to look after all three of my friend’s psychotic kids for the night) and this formal but friendly vibe weaved its cheery path pretty much throughout the entire building

London Oyster Guide

Forget the scare stories and cuddle up to an oyster or six, it’s one of life’s greatest eating pleasures and an example of how simple can so often be the very best. Lift the lid on a briny bivalve and tip it into your mouth, bite gently to release the flavour and then swallow. No, Stephen Fry did not say that, although he might.