Le Cercle

From the same stable as Club Gascon (see entry), this stylish modern basement dining room close to Sloane Square is a lively place much of the day. The glamorous interior boasts a mezzanine lounge area with secluded booths where you can chillax with an inventive cocktail or two, and an equally cool restaurant with polished wood tables, smart leather seating and a glass-fronted wine cellar. Creative modern French grazing-style dishes are the order of the day, plus the occasional conventional French favourite alongside good-value set lunch, pre-theatre and 'Traditions' tasting menus. Clear flavours and stylish presentation characterise the likes of onglet tartare with smoked ketchup and mustard ice ream, baby squid ragoût with crab bisque, and among the larger plats, braised and seared venison with parsnip and white chocolate pulp and artichoke macaroons. Desserts are no less inventive: crème brûlée with raspberry and hibiscus sorbet, for example. A racy French wine list doesn't let standards slip.