Get that holiday feeling
Not on holiday? Don't worry, neither are we. Still, there are spots in our sooty old city where you can sit outside, basking in the sunshine, without getting kippered by monocarbons. Here are a few of our hidden favourites.
Jaan
Behind the somewhat clinical exterior of Swissotel The Howard is a restaurant with haute aspirations - and a 'delicate Khmer flavour'; the recently revamped garden is rather lovely. Temple Place WC2. Tel: 020 7836 3555. Tube: Temple
RIBA Cafè
Far more grown-up than its cafè monicker suggests, this architects' hangout has proper mod-Brit food. The courtyard is a little-known haven in this part of town.
66 Portland Place W1. Tel: 020 7631 0467. Tube: Oxford Circus
The Aquarium
In the yacht-laden environs of St Katherine's Dock, you could do a bit of St Tropez wish-fulfilment. The sympathetically sourced fish dishes (it's the only UK restaurant to be endorsed by the WWF) add to the illusion.
Ivory House, St Katherine-bythe-Tower E1. Tel: 020 7480
6116. Tube: Tower Bridge
The Courtyard Garden
In a restaurant desert, this complex - already containing Quilon and Bank - is a beacon. Now there's a Shakespeare mural-bedecked garden offering everything from a full, summery menu to afternoon tea.
Crowne Plaza London St James Hotel, 45-51 Buckingham Gate SW1. Tel: 020 7963 8325. Tube: St James's Park
