THREE OTHER GRAND WEST END DINING ROOMS
JUST ST JAMES
Occupying a cavernous former bank on St James’s Street, Just St James is all marble columns, chandeliers and huge mirrors. The food is hearty old-school English dishes – not sure about the hi-tech glass lift occupying the centre of the room, however. 16 St James Street, SW1A 1ER, www.juststjames.com
THE WOLSELEY
The arching building housing this Piccadilly favourite, with its dramatic black pillars and staircases, was originally a motor car showroom, opened in 1921. Now it offers fabulous breakfasts and teas, fine Austrian cooking for lunch and dinner, and celeb-spotting opportunities. 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB, www.thewolseley.com
QUAGLINO’S
The flagship of the D&D London restaurant empire, the huge dining room at Quaglino’s is reached via a grand, sweeping staircase, and includes the famous “crustacea altar” where fruits de mer are piled up like a work of art for the 400-or-so diners to admire. 16 Bury Street, SW1Y 6AL, www.danddlondon.com