It was with surprise and great delight I found myself having a jolly old time half an hour later in 101 Pimlico Road, a place that has quickly become a favourite neighbourhood hang-out for our co-diners in the six months since it opened.

Henley has an interesting mixture of one-off estabishments and 21st century chains, and listed buildings abound. The town combines the old and the new, which is what The Three Tuns are doing under one roof, to great effect.

The food at Zan Zi Bar is excellent, and worth going out of your way for, or maybe trying a take away or home delivery, we certainly enjoyed their food, beer and the Sauvignon Blanc.

‘You know that you can see right up the girls’ skirts when they climb those stairs?’ asks P, pausing for a moment from sucking on her colourful cocktail. Really dear I hadn’t noticed. Well, actually of course I’d noticed, that’s why I was busy looking anywhere but in that direction. Being thrown out of a restaurant for noncing before the starter could be viewed as unprofessional behaviour in some quarters.

Marking the final days of London’s 16-day long Festival of Architecture, a feast for 100 occurred in a decommissioned ‘Texaco’ petrol station in Clerkenwell…

The Lock is an excellent restaurant to seek out and go to for lunch or dinner. The decor in the restaurant is relaxing and makes for a great setting in which to sit and enjoy a meal, the patio should you wish to eat outside has a great outlook. With great views and really good food, this is a place worth making your way to.

Bob Bob Ricard is a great place to eat, you could simply go there and experience the Zakuski and ice cold vodka, or other small plates, with vodka shots or other drinks, alternatively choose from their a la carte menu which has items to suit all pockets. We had a great time there and will definitely go back. We loved it and are sure you will.

I was worried from its name, look and location that Riddle and Finns would be a bit too cutesy, too in love with itself, but instead it was a friendly place with breezy staff and generally tidy cooking for a fair price. I can’t recommend the whelks though, I think mother is still gamely chewing hers three days later. Keep calm and carry on!

Just moments from the Queensway drunks and suited career climbers (drunker still), Le Café Anglais occupies its own private entrance on Porchester Gardens. Lift ahoy up to the first floor (making it all feel a bit private members club) and you’re in.

The Restaurant at The Petersham is excellent. It would certainly be a great place to have a celebratory meal, or just to spoil yourself when you feel inclined. It is somewhere that should be sought out and visited. Definitely one for the list.