Pimlico, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“Fabulous Katie Exton and her team never disappoint” at her “lovely, small and intimate Pimlico restaurant”, which “is coming into its own despite all the terrible setbacks when it opened” (including a flood closing it for months) and “hits a sweet spot of value and reliability”. A major attraction is the “clean and well-executed modern European cuisine” – “with interesting ingredients and dishes on the right side of edgy” – but the rarer attraction is her “endearing” personal style and “enthusiastic gentle guidance to the right wine pairing” from the “supremely clever and wide-ranging wine list” she has assembled as “one of London’s top sommeliers”. Top Tip – “there is a great glassware selection too for a restaurant of its size, which is often overlooked in guides!”

“Top-quality food from third-year students at ridiculously low prices” is the term-time offer at this Vincent Square venue operated by Westminster Kingsway College. “Service by first-years can be very random but is always entertaining!” Choose between the formal Escoffier Room and the more relaxed brasserie. Top Tip – “excellent sourdough bread also at knockdown prices for sale in the foyer”.

“Superb with meat, especially the steaks: simply the most perfectly grilled ever…” – the Jones Family (formerly in Shoreditch) are making a good go of this steakhouse “oasis in busy Victoria” – a “fabulous, bright space with great art” (part of the stylish new Eccleston Yards project), where service “is delivered with a smile”. “The ambience of its outdoor courtyard is very pleasant in summer” too.