The Rubens at The Palace, 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PS

Billed as serving English dishes with a twist, this hotel restaurant celebrates the art of tableside dining with all manner of treats. Smoked salmon is carved beside you and both mains and desserts include flambe options for a bit of theatrics.

This bakery has a team of international chefs producing everything you need in the form of bread and patisserie in an upmarket café. Name a variety of loaf from anywhere in the world and it’s probably on offer here. There are also freshly baked flatbreads from the clay oven to enjoy for savoury brunches at sharing tables out the back.

Westminster Kingsway College, 76 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PD

Play your part in supporting the chefs of the future at this smart brasserie that offers high-standard, contemporary, seasonal food at great-value prices, thanks to the role it plays as a teaching kitchen. You’ll be served by students (both chefs and front of house staff) from the college.

17-19 Regency St, London SW1P 4BY

A classic English café, this opened in 1946 and is so quintessential-looking that it’s been used as a filming location for its art deco style. This is where to get a proper ‘greasy spoon’ breakfast fry-up. None other than top chef Michel Roux Jr has also declared it his favourite (there’s a framed photo of his on the wall here with his statement to prove it).