Exotic London

Napoleon III appeared before a judge there on charges of fraud, while other luminaries including Oscar Wilde, John Lennon and Rolling Stone Mick Jagger have also made appearances. Now you can dine there! Silk is part of the Courthouse Hotel and used to be the former magistrates No. 1 court. The restaurant still retains some of the court's original features including the Judge's bench, witness stand and even the jury benches. The bar is also rather unique with three former ladies cells converted into private booths.

 

 

 

 

If Indiana Jones owned a restaurant it would probably be something like the Archipelago where diners can nibble on locusts, Kangaroo, Peacock and crocodile. The décor is an eclectic mix of dwarf palms, golden Buddhas with a liberal scattering of giant peacock feathers. The service might be quirky but this must rank as one of London's most magical and adventurous dining experiences.

The next place used to be a secret - known only to senior government figures - until in 1981 British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher declared the site an educational museum. Winston Churchill directed the war from these top secret Cabinet War Rooms and now you can dine in them. There are several choices, though I think the former switchboard room sounds the most interesting.

One of the most prestigious dining locations on the Thames can be found onboard The Havengore the little boat that carried Churchill's body from the Town Pier to the Festival Pier as part of his state funeral. The menu is based on Churchill's favourite recipes and served with antique silverware along with fine wines, champagne, brandy, port and cigars.

Cast yourself adrift and head for The Lobster Pot in Kennington. Chef-proprietor Hervé Regent, authentically Gallic in his striped shirt, has created a unique two-storey restaurant, accurately replicating the insides of a lurching galleon. For the best nautical experience sit downstairs on the sloping floors and look through the tiny portholes to see fish swim disarmingly by. The fish and shell fish are freshly purchased each day.

If you're looking for somewhere that pushes originality to unseen horizons then you must pay a visit to Sketch a myriad of restaurants within restaurants rather like a Russian Matryosha doll. This is an 18th century central London town house. Let's start at the Parlour - a dark, slightly errie room fashioned like a parlour but with bronzed walls and perpex animal heads and uniquely upholstered furniture. The Parlour opens for breakfast and becomes a bar in the evenings. Do try the decadent afternoon tea. The Gallery is on the large side with brilliant white walls hosting constantly changing video projections. Cool furniture combined with a stunning menu make this a sure night out. The Glade is a woodland wonderland with a giant tree shaped chandelier and grass carpets. Only open in the

day time. The lecture room and library offer up more aesthetic mastery with a gourmet menu that will leave you impressed.

Enjoy!