If you’re pouring out of an event at the V&A or following an SW7 design trawl, here are our picks of the very best places you’d be lucky to find by yourself! All tried and tested, and all great.
Tinello – As close to a perfect restaurant as you can get, Tinello is Italian via Manhattan with its raw brickwork, gorgeous finishes and starched linen.
87 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8PH, +44 (0)20 7730 3663 www.tinello.co.uk
Egerton House Hotel bar – You will embrace this dear little bar with an angel on one shoulder and devil on t’other. If you had an extremely wealthy granny her home might look like this – a touch of the Upper East Side about it. But then Tony – the Octogenarian barman and Martini mixer extraordinaire – will soon have you sliding slowly onto the floor. You may be able to fight on with the complimentary cheese on toast – a truly British delicacy, and of course the only one to accompany a slick of vodka. Highly recommended.
17-19 Egerton Terrace, London SW3 2BX, +44 (0)20 7589 2412 www.redcarnationhotels.com
La Bouchee – For a distinctly un-British experience head to this cosy bistro, dominated by local French expats. Food is always spot on and service can be utterly charming.
56 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3DY, +44 (0)207 5891929
Hunan – You’ll find this smart Chinese stalwart on the Pimlico Road design and antiques strip. This requires a commitment from your appetite: there’s no menu, they will establish your likes and dislikes and the dishes will come in a steady stream until you wave the white flag.
51 Pimlico Rd, London, London SW1W 8NE, +44 (0)20 7730 5712 www.hunanlondon.com
Fox & Hounds – If you want a classic London pub then look no further than this tiny pub buried in the thick of Belgravia. Distinctly untrendy but warm and friendly as can be.
29 Passmore Street, London SW1W 8HR, +44(0)20 7730 6367
Cambio de Tercio – A thoroughly modern, and brilliant, take on classic Spanish tapas which makes it Rafael Nadal’s favourite restaurant in London. A bright, stimulating interior which is in stark contrast to the more sedate places in the area. Capote y Toros, the tapas bar next door is perfect for a pit-stop.
163 Old Brompton Rd, London SW5 0LJ, +44(0)20 7244 8970, www.cambiodetercio.co.uk
Apero – This all-day neighbourhood brasserie can be found in the vaulted cellars of the Ampersand Hotel. Bright but deeply comfortable. Cocktails such as L’Oiseau de Feu inspired by pieces from the nearby V&A.
2 Harrington Road, London SW7 3ER, +44(0)207 591 4410, www.aperorestaurantandbar.com
Nags Head – On a sunnier day wind your way through the back streets of Brompton Quarter to this mews street pub. Hidden quite out of sight of the Knightsbridge throng this faultless little drinking hole will stay in your memories for long after your return home.
53 Kinnerton Street, London SW1X 8ED, +44(0)20 7235 1135
