Gilgamesh Restaurant Lounge

First the red carpet treatment, then an escalator to transport you up above Camden's riotous Stables Market to the gargantuan Gilgamesh might seem over-the-top, but then the mind-boggling themed interiors are inspired by the legendary excesses of Babylon. Think hand-carved wooden furniture, extravagant fabrics, a lapis lazuli inlaid 50-metre bar, ornate walls of beaten bronze panels, marble pillars, palm trees, vast windows and nightclub-esque psychedelic lighting. When it comes to the cooking, it's by no means exotic imagery over substance, with Ian Pengelley's menus inspired by the food halls of Asia and confidently covering all the bases from sushi and sashimi (prepared by Japanese chefs) or tempura to Chinese dim sum, Thai green chicken curry, Malaysian beef Penang or hoba miso Chilean sea bass. East meets west at dessert in something like a chocolate and lemongrass brûlée with exotic sorbet, while Asian-inspired cocktails, sake and well-selected wines keep everyone in high spirits.