Here at Sincura we are constantly on the look-out for the latest restaurants springing up around London and indeed the world. Below are a few of our favorites for the last six months - and as with everywhere we can organise priority tables and VIP treatment at all the finest eateries. The Sincura newsletter contains the latest restaurant news each month.

Mennula, Charlotte Street

RECENTLY OPENED (December 2009)... Just when you think London has enough Italian restaurants, one comes along to prove the theory wrong. Rising above the generic menus of some of the capital’s more uninspiring osterias, Mennula wins brownie points for its dedication to Sicilian cuisine. The restaurant – which means almond in the island’s dialect – mixes familiar Italian restaurant grub with more traditional Sicilian dishes such as cannoli filled with sweetened ricotta.

Barrica, Goodge Street

RECENTLY OPENED (December 2009)... Thinking of popping to Barrafina but can’t face the queue? Well, with the launch of new restaurant Barrica a five-minute walk away, punters who find themselves in the West End and hankering after some authentic tapas now have another handy alternative. Sip fino and munch on salted almonds at the bar or take a table and opt for something more substantial – perhaps bone marrow with parsley and Pedro Ximénez or sweetbreads with artichoke.

The Orange, Pimlico

RECENTLY OPENED (December 2009)... Those familiar with the nearby Thomas Cubitt and Pantechnicon gastropubs will know what to expect from this latest addition to the group, housed on the site of Pimlico’s old Orange Brewery. Stripped wood, refectory tables and a charming boho-Georgian vibe carries on the group's dedication to stylish interiors, and a menu of Brit dishes relies on a wood-fired oven for its reasonable and generally well-executed grub.

Dean Street Townhouse & Dining Room, Soho

RECENTLY OPENED (December 2009)... The restaurant entrance may not be particularly ostentatious, tucked away on the side of its parent hotel, but walk through the curtained porch and into Dean Street Townhouse & Dining Room and a buzzy, large room decked out in reclaimed oak flooring and period Georgian touches unfolds before you. Feast on the hearty British menu, take a pick from an excellent wine list and lose yourself in the chatter of the trendy media types around you.

The Luxe, Spitalfields

RECENTLY OPENED (December 2009)... Restaurateur and Masterchef presenter John Torode plays to the strengths of his flagship London restaurant Smiths of Smithfield with his second site The Luxe. Housed in Spitalfields’ former flower market, the broad all-day offering finds something for everyone, from bacon sarnie-hungry workers on their way to the office, through to lunching ladies, cocktail-thirsty evening crowds and fine-dining fans. But does it all work?

Galvin La Chapelle, Liverpool Street

RECENTLY OPENED (December 2009)... Chris and Jeff Galvin certainly have an eye for the spectacular. You might have thought that trumping the setting of their last opening – the 29th floor restaurant at the Hilton Park Lane – was impossible, but at Galvin La Chapelle the brothers have come close. Housed in a former girls' school done up to the highest spec, the pair’s eye for quality is on show throughout, from top-notch table settings through to the high-end brasserie dishes.

Proud Cabaret, Tower Hill

RECENTLY OPENED (December 2009)... Life is a cabaret, old chum – and nowhere more so than at this showy new burlesque bar and restaurant in Tower Hill. Plush velvets and hidden booths are the backdrop to glammed up waiting staff dishing out solid British grub, but it’s the on-stage performances that are the real selling point here. Afternoon and early evening jazz gives way to something a tad more risqué as night falls, before an altogether clubbier vibe sees the site through the early hours.

Babbo, Mayfair

RECENTLY OPENED (December 2009)... A neighbourhood Italian tweaked to the high gloss of Mayfair, Babbo – which translates as ‘daddy’ – does a good job of juggling a homely rustic vibe with the sense of occasion W1 residents expect. Bare brick and cream walls, crystal chandeliers and white tablecloths make for an elegant setting to tuck into veal milanese or a lasagne made to grandma’s secret recipe, then apple with pine nuts pie and caramel sauce.

The Pipeline, Aldgate

RECENTLY OPENED (December 2009)... As things get chilly this time of year, when better to revel in a bit of Nordic hospitality? At The Pipeline in Aldgate, the Swedish owner has mixed a bright and airy Scandinavian-themed bar with an apparent love of rock ‘n’ roll to good effect. Knock back £6 cocktails or go native with a Lonkero or a Lapin Kulta beer, munch on meatballs, pickled herrings and cheese platters and jive to some slightly incongruous surf classics.

Made in China, Westminster

RECENTLY OPENED (December 2009)... When adventurous modern Japanese cuisine is replaced with crowd-pleasing classic Cantonese, you sense that a restaurant is courting the masses. Which is exactly what’s happened at Atami, the Westminster restaurant that’s owners have relaunched as Made in China. Nothing is done terribly, but the culinary ambition on display before is gone, while the decor is spruced up but remains largely unchanged.

Miss Q's, Earls Court

RECENTLY OPENED (December 2009)... Earls Court residents can rejoice – finally the area has a late-night bar that offers something different from the Bohemian goings-on of The Troubadour. Surrounded by retro kitsch American décor – think pinball machines, vintage wallpaper and a light-up dancefloor – chomp down a steak sandwich, knock back a few cocktails, jive to some live rock’n’roll, and get washed away in bygone Americana.

The Blues Kitchen, Camden

RECENTLY OPENED (December 2009)... If it’s a heavy dose of soul you’re after, you could do a lot worse than head to the Blues Kitchen, the new Camden restaurant and bar from the brains behind Paradise by Way of Kensal Green and The Westbury. Offering up a trendy, accessible take on southern American blues bars, knock back some bourbon or cocktails, order a bowl of buffalo wings with blue cheese dip and tap your feet to the live bands.

Massis, Paddington

RECENTLY OPENED (December 2009)... Sibling to the popular Mayfair Lebanese of the same name, this second Massis has sprung up in Paddington’s Sheldon Square sporting all the Middle Eastern swagger of the original, although at about twice the size. Start off with a well-made cocktail, move on to authentic mezze such as hoummos, moutabal and spicy lamb sausages, alongside freshly baked flatbreads, and wash it down with a bottle of Lebanese red.

Polpo, Soho

RECENTLY OPENED (December 2009)... Italian tapas bar opens in Soho, punters rave, critics drool - sound rather familiar? Well, after the run-away success of Bocca di Lupo earlier this year, it's now the turn of the Venetian wine bar-themed Polpo to mop up the plaudits. If you can face the queues (there’s a no bookings policy so our tip is get there early) you’ll be rewarded with a stunning and cosy interior, small plates of northern Italian cuisine and fast, friendly service.

Boyd's Brasserie, Trafalgar Square

RECENTLY OPENED (November 2009)... The high standards at this new Trafalgar Square restaurant won’t come as a surprise to those in the know – the site’s mastermind Charles Boyd has been the doyen of City caterers over the past 25 years. Kitted out with white tablecloths and a sprinkling of old-school elegance, the grand room within The Northumberland events space features an all-day menu that ranges from tapas plates to modern European dishes.

The Elgin, Notting Hill

RECENTLY OPENED (November 2009)... Notting Hill residents might not be too familiar with Geronimo Inns' gradual gentrification of London boozers, but at The Elgin, the group’s first venture in the trendy neighbourhood, you’ll find most of the ingredients that have made Geronimo pubs so popular around the capital. Unbranded, front room style interiors, a convivial atmosphere, chirpy service and good beers all compensate for a kitchen that hasn’t quite found its feet yet.

Mark's Bar at Hix, Soho

RECENTLY OPENED (November 2009)... Taking over the downstairs space at Mark’s Hix’s new Soho restaurant, this swish new bar gives punters the chance to see the Dorset-born chef’s trademark use of British ingredients on a cocktail menu. Expect drinks such as Spitfires over Kent (a Battle of Britain homage using wild morello cherry-infused Beefeater gin) coupled with patriotic bar snacks like pollock fish fingers with mushy peas.

Hix, Soho

RECENTLY OPENED (November 2009)... Since leaving Caprice Holdings two years ago, Mark Hix has gone on to become the toast of London town. His latest venture, Hix in Soho, has taken over the Brewer Street site briefly occupied by Japanese Aaya, and looks destined to be a big hit, with the Dorset-born chef’s trademark British cuisine the star. Dine on jellied ham hock with piccalilli, then beef flank with porter and oyster pie, and end with an autumn fruit crumble.

Chinese Cricket Club, Blackfriars

RECENTLY OPENED (November 2009)... Eastern sports fans should remain calm, this new restaurant at the Crowne Plaza hotel is to the world of cricket what the Bombay Bicycle Club is to the world of cycling - no more than a catchy name. But what it lacks in sporting terms, the site amply makes up for with its creditable Chinese food. Classics such as chicken and sweetcorn soup sit alongside decent dim sum and Szechuan-style specialities in the relaxing, chic surroundings.

Princess of Shoreditch

RECENTLY OPENED (November 2009)... If you’re an East Londoner with a hankering for quality local restaurants but a disinclination to travel, you’re in luck. In Old Street newcomer the Princess of Shoreditch you now have two accomplished sites rolled into one. Downstairs is a no-bookings gastropub with hearty pub grub – perfect for a drink with your mates – while upstairs is a date-friendly fine-dining restaurant sporting top-notch service.

Roka, Canary Wharf

RECENTLY OPENED (November 2009)... Canary Wharf's offices may be feeling the crunch, but its restaurant scene is in rude health. A flurry of recent openings – from The Parlour to branches of Jamie's Italian, Canteen and Wahaca – have now been joined by E14's glittering prize: Roka. Sample favourites from the robata grill alongside innovative newcomers (think stuffed teriyaki chicken with roast ginger and aubergine). Just be sure to book ahead: it's already packed to the gills.

The Bathhouse, Bishopsgate

RECENTLY OPENED (November 2009) The water may be long gone, but things still get steamy at this ex-Turkish baths turned café-bar and nightclub. Returned to its former glory, complete with Byzantine tiling and onion dome, the site’s an enjoyable spot for breakfast and lunch, but it’s the evening when it really comes to life. Pop along after work for an £8 cocktail and a wood-fired pizza, then stick around as things hot up with 1970s disco revival and exotic burlesque nights.

The Forge Wine Bar, Covent Garden

RECENTLY OPENED (November 2009)... Next time you find yourself slap bang in the middle of tourist London, bear in mind this little subterranean haven as you look to escape the hustle-bustle of street level. Located on Garrick Street, the Forge Wine Bar’s intimate, air-conditioned cellar plays it simple, with olive walls, kingfisher banquettes and user-friendly high stools at the zinc bar the back drop for a lengthy, value-conscious Europhile wine list and some top notch tapas.

Pix, Notting Hill

RECENTLY OPENED (November 2009)... If you think the classiest food that can arrive on a cocktail stick is a cheese and pineapple canapé, think again. At Westbourne Grove newcomer Pix, the concept is for punters to work the buffet of tapas delights armed with little wooden sticks (referred to as 'pix' in Basque) and skewer whatever takes their fancy, from asparagus and foie gras with leek and white chocolate, to quail’s egg and black pudding with confit pepper.

Lutyens Bar, Fleet Street

RECENTLY OPENED (November 2009)... Settle onto a stool at Sir Terence Conran’s new Lutyens bar and you could be mistaken for thinking the good times are back again. The corporate chic, mosaic floor and white-suited baristas all pay homage to a time when we had a bit more cash to spend. And it’s a breath of fresh air in these frugal times. Throw caution to the wind, enjoy a glass or two of Pol Roger Réserve or a Lutyens Martini, and pretend it's 2006 for an evening.

The Leopard Bar, Victoria

RECENTLY OPENED (October 2009)... Like its animal namesake, The Rubens at the Palace Hotel’s new Leopard Bar is sleek, classy and well hidden. Also, like the big cat, it’s much smaller than you might think. Housed inside the hotel's former in-house newsagent’s, the décor’s all neo-colonial ‘safari-chic’, with the obligatory leopard skin print carpet and cushions. Champagne goes from £12.50 a glass to £4,000 a bottle, and cocktails, fine wines and savoury snacks all make it an inconspicuous gem.

Charlotte Street Blues Bar, Fitzrovia

RECENTLY OPENED (October 2009)... Hallelujah! You know it's time to give thanks and praise when a forgettable branch of Jamie's is reborn as a dedicated blues bar. Jitterbug on the dance floor and then refresh yourself with ice-cold brews by the bucket, margaritas and that Belle of the South – mint julep, served in traditional metal cups. Casual bites run to popcorn chicken, shrimp skewers, pulled pork stack, jambalaya and Mississippi mud pie.

Seven Park Place, St James's

RECENTLY OPENED (October 2009)... There's been one helluva spate of kitchen-hopping by chefs of late. Fans of William Drabble's refined French cooking will no longer find him at Aubergine, but should instead head over to newcomer Seven Park Place at the St James's Club and Hotel (on a site once home to Dieter Müller's Andaman). Across town, Andrew Turner is bidding farewell to The Landau and moving to Wiltons, to step into Jérôme Ponchelle's shoes, who in turn will be filling the vacancy at The Capital created by Eric Chavot's departure.

Aqua Nueva, Soho

RECENTLY OPENED (October 2009)... For those of you mourning the demise of the traditional London department store, take heart: some are being given a new lease of life. The site where Dickens & Jones once stood, for instance, is now home to a destination cocktail bar, a modern Japanese restaurant, and this stylish newcomer, Aqua Nueva. Here, contemporary Spanish cuisine, courtesy of ex-el Bulli chef Alberto Hernández, is served up in a sophisticated setting, with far-reaching rooftop views another draw for a modish media crowd.

Bar Shu, Soho

RECENTLY OPENED (October 2009)... This Szechuan cooking specialist was forced to close earlier this year following a fire in its kitchen. (The irony of this happening at a restaurant where some of the dishes can make your mouth feel as if it's engulfed in flames is, to say the least, piquant.) Happily, Bar Shu is back – and the food is as adventurous as ever. But while there's no doubting the quality of cooking, the overall experience does not merit the hefty size of the bill.

Gaucho Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia

RECENTLY OPENED (October 2009)... If you like to surprise your dining companions, then where better to suggest than this latest addition to the Gaucho family? They'll arrive to be faced with a dreary office block, but this belies the delights of the inside. There's an airy ground-floor wine tasting room, while the cavernous basement has been converted to a slinky cocktail bar and restaurant. The perfect hide-away for power lunches over prime beef and Argentine reds.

Pinchito, Covent Garden

RECENTLY OPENED (September 2009)... Here at Square Meal, we like to keep our ear to the ground. So we were excited to hear that although it's not yet 'officially' open, the nice people at the new Covent Garden Pinchito will be offering those in the know (that's you, dear readers) 50% off all food from Tuesday 29 September to Friday 2 October. Yes, that means you can order double the portions of grilled chorizo, traditional tortilla, Padrón peppers, or deep-fried squid without the faintest whiff of guilt. Do call ahead to check exact service times.

Lower East Bistro & Liquor Bar

RECENTLY OPENED (September 2009)...Intent on bringing a touch of New York cool to the suited professionals of Canary Wharf, Lower East Bistro & Liquor Bar’s stab at transatlantic urbanity doesn’t end with its name. Inside, sure-fire NY bistro winners like eggs Benedict, shrimp salad and 10oz strip steak sit alongside more decadent options such as Lobster BLT on the all-day menu. Wash it all down with mainstream cocktails and American bottled beers at the adjoining Liquor Bar.

Andy Campbell @ 23 Romilly Street, Soho

RECENTLY OPENED (September 2009)... Picking up a growing legion of fans by word of mouth, Andy Campbell’s new restaurant at Soho’s atmospheric private club 23 Romilly Street is a little-known gem. A reassuringly old-school décor of Burgundy carpets, white tablecloths and dark wood, coupled with a daily changing menu of reworked classics – think Loch Duart salmon fishcakes in panko crumbs with tartare sauce – goes part-way to explaining the charm.

Yalla Yalla, Soho

RECENTLY OPENED (September 2009)... Arabic for “get a move on”, vivacious newcomer Yalla Yalla is worthy enough reason to hurry down to Soho. Specialising in good value Lebanese street food – think grilled haloumi cheese with tomato, black olives, fresh mint and olive oil, homemade spicy sausages and platters of wraps and pastries – the menu stays largely under a tenner and is all available to eat in or takeaway.

St Clements, Aldwych

RECENTLY OPENED (August 2009)... Not your run-of-the-mill sandwich bar, St Clements’ location, tucked away in an ancient enclave beneath the Middle Temple Library, isn’t the only stand-out feature of this newly opened café. Lawned gardens and an all-day menu, ranging from a good-quality cooked breakfast through to a homemade lamb burger with tzatsiki for lunch and plates of charcuterie and Neal’s Yard cheeses for supper, help complete the dinstinctive offering.

Bellevue Rendezvous, Wandsworth

RECENTLY OPENED (August 2009)... If you fancy uncovering a winsome local restaurant this autumn, you could do a lot worse than head to the newly done-up Bellevue Rendezvous. Despite the enviable location a few doors up from Chez Bruce, there's nothing pretentious about this cavernous bistro dealing in high-quality, good-value French grub – think foie gras terrine and slow-braised lamb – with service as charming as the menu is reasonably priced.

Del'Aziz, Bermondsey

RECENTLY OPENED (August 2009)... The steady roll-out of this pan-Mediterranean restaurant and deli continues with a branch in Bermondsey Square. The decor might feel like a slightly corporate stab at a Moroccan bazaar but there’s a pleasant spill of tables into the square and the menu hits the right notes in its wide remit, leaning heavily on popular Middle Eastern dishes such as mezze, tagines and kebabs, but stretching as far as spaghetti and a cooked breakfast.

Valentina, Putney

RECENTLY OPENED (August 2009)... Bringing another slice of Italian sunshine to South-West London, the Putney branch of Valentina is an altogether more slick affair than its charming East Sheen sister site. Stroll past shelves of enticing deli produce to nibble tapas-style dishes on the ground floor, or head upstairs for heartier Italian meals – think buffalo mozzarella & basil salad drizzled in olive oil followed by more ambitious sea bass with a potato, caper & olive broth.

Coast, Camden

RECENTLY OPENED (August 2009)... Bringing the seaside vibe to Camden is no mean feat, but Coast tries its best. A seafood-heavy menu features Lyme Bay rock oysters, pan-fried cod with mash & a broad bean and chorizo sauce and fruits de mer platters, while the bright, breezy interiors are dotted with (for sale) paintings of the Cornish coast. Light desserts (orange and passion fruit jelly with Champagne sorbet) and crisp white wines complete the attractive package.

Le Provence, Barnes

RECENTLY OPENED (August 2009)... Fans of west London’s most prolific restaurateur John McClements will be pleased to see another new concept added to his six-strong collection. Located on the former site of his Barnes branch of Ma Cuisine, the newly opened Le Provence is a local restaurant inspired by southern French cooking, so expect dishes such as lobster bisque, tuna niçoise & crème brûlée made to McClements’s typically high standard.

Hoxton Grill

RECENTLY RELAUNCHED (August 2009)... Recently relaunched under the management of Soho House, the Hoxton Grille's – as it was previously known – superfluous last vowel has been the most obvious change to this relaxed Shoreditch restaurant. Elsewhere, the new operator has tweaked everything from the crowd-pleasing menu of American classics – think cheeseburgers and lemon meringue pie – to the restaurant layout, all sporting its typical casual-dining nous.

Tenore, Islington

RECENTLY OPENED (August 2009)... If you want your palate whisked away to hotter climes as the sun labours to shine this August, you’ll find a safe haven of Italian sunshine food at Islington’s new Tenore restaurant. Owned by two Sardinian brothers, the cooking is classic Italian stuff – think thin-crust pizzas from the wood-fired oven, prosciutto, tagliatelle – all set in a cheery room of good-time Italian images that should blow the clouds away for a mealtime at least.

Bar Sequence, Islington

RECENTLY OPENED (August 2009)... Joining Essex Road’s burgeoning bar scene, Bar Sequence is a compact cocktail lounge that claims to offer ‘a digital experience’ – in layman’s terms that's photography and video clips projected on to the white walls to create an ever-changing backdrop. Themed nights (games on Monday, open decks on Wednesdays) mix things up further, but the cocktail list is a more conventional affair offering all the classics.

Jetlag, Fitzrovia

RECENTLY OPENED (August 2009)... It’s not just red-eyed travellers returning from far-flung destinations who can appreciate the merits of new bar Jetlag – though they may feel right at home reclining in its airline seats. The funky Fitzrovia newcomer comes with bright lighting, graphic poster art and bubbling fish tanks, and there's an imaginative cocktail list too - try the feisty red head with strawberries, basil and Tequila.

The Clarendon, Notting Hill

RECENTLY OPENED (August 2009)... With the weather unpredictable as ever, all the more reason to seek out spaces where the interiors and alfresco are equally lovely. The Clarendon is just such a place. Previously home to Antony 'Wozza' Thompson's Notting Grill, it's now a handsome gastropub complete with an attractive roof terrace. Cooking is classy: think scallops with pea purée and crispy bacon ahead of Chateaubriand with mushrooms, shallots and confit garlic.

Frank's Café & Campari Bar, Peckham

RECENTLY OPENED (August 2009)... What's this? A pop-up in Peckham? Yes folks, SE15 has squared up to the Hoxton trendies with its very own blink-and-you'll-miss-it bar, open until Wednesday 30 September. The location – on the rooftop of an abandoned high-rise car park – may be as edgy as they come, but at least it makes for great views. Join the cool cats for affordable cocktails and cold beers from the cash bar, or snack on a light evening bite from the makeshift kitchen.

Jamie's Italian, Canary Wharf

RECENTLY OPENED (August 2009)... Love him or loathe him, Jamie Oliver's empire continues to flourish. The fifth link in his nationwide Jamie's Italian chain has just opened, bringing affordable Italian home cooking to Canary Wharf. Expect to dine on rustically presented dishes of polenta chips with rosemary salt and parmesan, sausage pasta and flash-grilled steak with a spicy tomato, basil and chilli salsa in a bright and cheerful dining room.

The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea

RECENTLY OPENED (July 2009)... With gastropubs such as The Gun and The White Swan under their belt, you’d expect the latest opening from brothers Tom and Ed Martin to following the family footsteps and be an out-and-out success. But while there’s no doubt that The Cadogan Arms’s Victorian interiors have been appealingly spruced up and the bar stocks a good range of beer and wine, the food appears to be a bit of an afterthought. Could this be a rare miss for the duo?

The Lost Angel, Battersea

RECENTLY OPENED (July 2009)... From the team behind ace Wandsworth bar Lost Society, comes equally impressive sibling The Lost Angel. Part bar, part restaurant, part good ol’ neighbourhood boozer, it’s a gem of a place with quiz nights, film screenings, top-notch pub grub and an encyclopaedic cocktail list to keep spirits high. The left-field interiors score points, too – think trumpet light fittings, stuffed pheasants and a 10ft portrait of the Queen.

More, London Bridge

RECENTLY OPENED (July 2009)... If your dining companions are always asking for 'more', perhaps you should take them to this quirkily-named newcomer? Once home to a greasy spoon, the dinky site has been transformed into a bright, funky restaurant by the same team that first launched Livebait and The Real Greek. Swing by at all times of day for the sunshine flavours of the Med – grilled polenta with pancetta, gorgonzola and roasted cherries, say.

Davy's at Woolgate Bar & Brasserie,

RECENTLY OPENED (July 2009)... Smack-bang between Bank and Moorgate, the Woolgate Exchange is a gleaming model of City slickness. So it's only fitting that financier's favourite Davy's has arrived to serve up top tipples and posh nosh to the banker boys and girls: think dressed crab and steak with a nice glass of Davy's Rioja. One of a growing breed of the wine-bar group's 'modern' branches, it's both good-looking and groomed – not unlike the clientele.

The Brill, King's Cross

RECENTLY OPENED (July 2009)... Brill by name, brill by nature. This lovely little bistro has popped up at the bottom of gritty Caledonian Road, showing that in spite of the crunch, King's Cross' gentrification rolls on. The simply-priced menu (all starters £4, all mains £12) showcases seasonal classics such as cured Scottish salmon with a cucumber salad or chicken with wild mushroom and asparagus. There's an equally lovely deli next door, or a cosy downstairs cellar bar.

Villandry Kitchen, Holborn

RECENTLY OPENED (July 2009)... There's nothing like a smart bistro to lift an area. Younger sibling of Marylebone's Villandry, this Holborn newcomer brings a dash of va-va-voom to the culinary no-man's land between the City and the West End. Familiar favourites such as charcuterie platters or moules-frites are supplemented by a new range of stone-baked pizzas, while sweet treats range from homely sticky toffee pudding to a large selection of cakes and pastries.

The Alice House, West Hampstead

Cute by name, cute by nature. This West Hampstead drinkery offers people-watching from its pretty decked terrace or shelter among the warm brick and twinkly lights indoors. Tipples run to good-value wines and exotic cocktails: think pear and cardamom martini or a green tea daiquiri. For eats, meanwhile, there are lunches of crispy duck salad or pan-fried salmon with basil mash, as well as evening tapas and Sunday barbecues.

Formans, Bow

RECENTLY OPENED (July 2009)... It may be in the middle of an industrial estate, but the opening of Formans in East London will still be music to the ears of smoked salmon connoisseurs – it’s owned by H. Forman & Sons, the UK’s oldest smokehouse. There's a salmon tasting menu for true aficionados, but non-fishy ingredients from independent Brit producers also dot the menu – think ballotine of wild rabbit and prune or bitter chocolate and salted caramel parfait.

Opera Quarter Bar, Covent Garden

RECENTLY OPENED (July 2009)... Pop-up restaurants and bars are springing up like mushrooms across the capital and the latest is the Opera Quarter Bar. Open for three months only, it’s the brainchild of Douglas Ankrah (of LAB and Townhouse fame) and resides in a three-storey Georgian townhouse in the heart of Covent Garden. As well as Ankrah’s cracking cocktails (he did create the porn star martini) there’ll be guest mixologists to shake things up over the summer.

Tini, South Kensington

RECENTLY OPENED (July 2009)... Expect to see flashy cars and hear cut-glass accents outside South Ken’s newest cocktail bar, Tini (as in mar-Tini) – it’s already a hit with the area’s beau monde. From the people behind Whisky Mist and Mahiki, the Italian-esque bar is lined with photos of Dolce Vita-era stars and also adheres to the Milanese tradition of ‘aperitivo’, so alongside cocktails such as the strawberry berrycello, there are complimentary nibbles.

The Compass, Islington

RECENTLY OPENED (July 2009)... Islington’s Salmon & Compass used to be a homing ground for N1’s late-night revellers, but its new owners are steering it in a different direction. Renamed The Compass, it’s open all day, so guests can tuck in to hearty breakfasts or sup on real ale over homemade pies, Scotch eggs and other best-of-Brit fare later in the day. Outdoor tables cater for sun-seekers and smokers, and a function room on the first floor is available for private parties.

Gallery Mess, Chelsea

RECENTLY OPENED (July 2009)... How times change. Once dining in an art gallery was a last-resort choice, but nowadays it's absolutely de rigueur. Hot on the heels of the Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room comes Gallery Mess, the well-heeled café at the Saatchi Gallery. Open throughout the day, it serves up prime grub – such as avocado and fennel salad or Cumberland sausage with Puy lentils – both indoors in its vaulted dining room and outdoors on the large terrace.

69 Colebrooke Row, Islington

RECENTLY OPENED (July 2009)... No, you don't need to adjust your screens. The official photography for this diminutive Islington cocktail speakeasy all comes in black and white, a deliberate effort to highlight its film-noir inspired vibe. The bar is owned by influential industry figure Tony Conigliaro, who aims to advance the art of cocktail-making with inventive creations such as the no 5 Champagne cocktail: served in a bespoke flute based on Chanel’s famous label, the sugar cube at the bottom is perfumed with the notes present in the iconic fragrance.

Lutyens, Fleet Street

RECENTLY OPENED (June 2009)... Sir Terence Conran stepped down as chairman of Conran Restaurants almost three years ago, but he certainly hasn’t stopped making an impact on the capital’s restaurant scene. He teamed with Peter Prescott (his former operations director at Conran Restaurants) to open Boundary earlier this year, and now the duo have just launched new City restaurant, Lutyens. Unpretentious French dishes and a long and varied wine list are what to expect.

Boundary Rooftop, Shoreditch

RECENTLY OPENED (June 2009)... This week is set to be an absolute scorcher, and while it may appeal to cool yourself in air-conditioned restaurants, now is the time to take advantage of London’s outdoor dining. Joining a raft of new alfresco spaces this summer is Boundary Rooftop, the high-rise space atop Sir Terence Conran’s restaurant-bar-cafe complex, where eye-popping views and a grill menu can be enjoyed surrounded by manicured gardens.

The Restaurant & Café at St Paul’s Cathedral, City

RECENTLY OPENED (June 2009)... There are several places to impress out-of-town guests in the capital, but a new The Restaurant & Café at St Paul’s Cathedral might just top them all. Sitting pretty in one of the capital’s most iconic edifices, it serves up afternoon teas and lunches with British ingredients to the fore – think wild nettle soup or spinach and Montgomery Cheddar pie. Sounds appetising, but does it taste like manna from heaven?