But in case you’ve never been sold on crab, you’ll like what they’re doing at this pop-up. Set up on Grosvenor Street in Mayfair, the cosy and classy restro is focused entirely on Salcombe crab (which I’m told is more sustainable, ethically-sourced and cheaper than the old homarus gammarus). There’s five crab rolls to choose from, with hilarious names like the Clawpedo and Crabfather, and the fillings are pretty good. The latter is brown and white crab meat with confit tomato, burata cream and crispy pancetta, which was fun to devour. But in case the crab mac and cheese (delish), crab bisque (so-so) and the crab cakes feels like an overload, there’s also an incredible pulled lamb roll on the menu.  All of this was washed down with the Claw Clobber – a pretty and sweet cocktail of sherry and vermouth with an orange slice.

Curious heads can check out the pop-up until January 2016. And for more details, visit: www.houseofcrab.co.uk. Check out more pics from my recent visit below: 

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Pan-fried supreme chicken – tiny, but delicious! £22

Swiss chard ravioli, £16

Raspberry shortbread – with tapioca balls!

Sketch Chocolat

Sketch toilets – to boldly “go” in no way you’ve gone before!

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With elegant and bright interiors that clearly boasts of a Gallic influence and an award-winning, Michelin-starred chef Joel Atunes at the helm,  Kitchen’s Provençal menu ticks off all the French standards with a twist here or there, so starters like the deliciously decadent chicken parfait comes with a generous serving of baby cornichons, and an equally perfect Pommes Anne is matched with the fluffiest, melting cod and a side of red wine sauce. It was also hard to resist the ‘Le Kit Kat‘ for dessert – another quirky addition on offer – which is a extremely decadent caramel, served with tonka bean ice-cream. All this culinary goodness comes at a steepish price, of course (£7-£14 for starters,  £17-£29 for mains,  £7-£10 for desserts, and let’s not get started on the wine list…), but if you’re in the mood to splurge on a remarkable French experience, this looks like the spot. (Words: Matilda Egere-Cooper)

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“…a little mosey down Bond Street, a little sniff around Gucci, sidle up to Ralph Lauren, pass through Browns and on to Quag’s for a light lunch.”

Patsy’s choice of lunch spot was understandable; in its Nineties heyday, under Sir Terence Conran’s ownership, Quaglino’s was about as fashionable as restaurants got. It will come as no surprise that it was the first place I rushed to eat at when I moved to London in 1994 and loved it.

These days, Quaglino’s is part of the vast D & D London restaurant empire and is, if not exactly unfashionable, unlikely to figure on many a Londoner’s must-go list. This is, I have to say, a terrible shame, as it’s still, well, absolutely fabulous.

…To read the rest, click here to visit Hugh Wright’s blog, Twelvepointfivepercent.com – London Restaurant Reviews Of Real Discretion. 

Follow Hugh on Twitter: @HRWright

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They actually do food here too – and ever since restauranteur Mourad Mazouz opened Sketch’s doors to the London glitterati 9 years ago, it’s been catering for us vegetarians and meat eaters alike with creative and occasionally palate challenging cuisine. I opted for the Spring starter that consisted of asparagus, fresh peas, and an unusually icey poached egg in the centre – accompanied with a side of sorrel sorbet (bonkers- but good). Next up was Udon and Tofu in a Miso broth, a classy complex dish which sounded a bit dull on paper but the liquer was quite something, hitting perfect notes of citrus and spice.

My fellow diner went for Lobster Bisque and halibut main (cooked to perfection). The dessert consisted of chocolate gateaux and sketch lemon. A little disappointing, particularly since the head chef is Pierre Gagnaire, (and we know the French are usually so good at puds). It’s not cheap, coming in at approximately £120 for two (3 courses and a bottle of wine). But you’re paying for more than the top end brasserie food. The atmosphere and surroundings are relaxed and quite friendly, there’s electronic music pumping in the background and a 360 degree video art installation playing around the dizzy heights of the dining room. There is also hand painted chairs by Julie Verhoeven. And lets not forget, those toilets as well. This is experience dining and the experience, as it happens, is quite good. (Words: Laura Thornley)

Price: £££££

For more information, visit www.sketch.uk.com

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