Patterson's

 

This family-run restaurant offers superb haute cuisine at very reasonable prices in a side street in Mayfair. Raymond Patterson was once the head chef at the Garrick Club, which explains why this place has been crowded with well-to-do gentlemen since opening. Mind you, those customers who supported Patterson from day one have been more than repaid - this is one of the best places in town.

The set menus are very reasonably priced, and there's even an Oyster lunch for an incredible £12, but make no mistake - this is a luxury restaurant. The cooking fuses the best elements of British and Modern European cuisine to wonderful effect, and the kitchen displays an exceptionally deft touch. The fish dishes are particularly stylish, cooked simply to bring out their flavours, but accompanied by extras and garnishes worthy of any table in London.

One of the signatures of Pattersons is their Haddock mousse, an incredibly light but flavoursome concoction that is a permanent feature on the menu - try it. The service by members of the Patterson clan is friendly and knowledgeable, and the dining experience is certainly helped by the wonderful bread and amuses bouches offered at various stages through the meal.

Patterson's is the kind of place used by Mayfair gents for a quick lunch, but everyone in there has the happy smile of somebody about to let one hour become two. Delightful.