Foliage

Backing on to Hyde Park, this imposing luxury Knightsbridge hotel fairly bristles with class. To the uninitiated, its liveried doorman and fluttering flags outside might give the impression of a grand Edwardian edifice in the old tradition, yet it's anything but. Smiling greeting staff are contemporarily dressed, as are the equally fashionable bar and glass-fronted wine-store entrance to Foliage, the fine-dining restaurant. Chic, stylish and intimate, the restaurant's theme is all in the name, with giant glass wall panels enclosing thousands of white silk leaves that come alive with lighting and change colour to echo the seasons. A split-level floor affords views of park life too, and striking flower displays and luxury fabrics and furnishings add to the sophisticated modern tone. These fine details support the dining room's reputation as one of London's finest under chef's David Nicholls' and Chris Staines' sublime cooking. Their approach is via an enticing repertoire of fixed-price menu options that take in a great value lunch jour, carte and tasting dinner offering. Luxury ingredients grace the intricate cooking, showcasing the kitchen's silky technical skills, with well-conceived, strikingly presented, thoroughly modern dishes to match the setting. Expect smoked beef, soubise, confit garlic and roast vegetables, or perhaps sea bass with broccoli, lobster and mushroom, while the supporting service is superbly friendly, knowledgeable and nothing short of world class. (Foliage's Adam Tihany's design is currently planned for refurbishment during 2009.)

In Knightsbridge with Harrods on right, hotel is 0.5m on left, opposite Harvey Nichols
Nearest station: Knightsbridge

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