The Dining Room at Dukes Hotel, Mayfair

I booked to go to Duke's hotel with a few girl friends on a Toptable deal. I must confess my previous experience on deals on Toptable is that the restaurants are on there for a reason (i.e. they can't get enough customers through the door without offering deals). However, I was prepared to give it a go and the Martini's they serve would, surely, make up for any lack lustre dining experience?

Sadly no. The food on the deal was utterly disgusting (the beetroot and bacon soup being a particular low point) and the service was quite possibly the rudest that I have ever experienced.

Great for drinks, but steer I'd steer clear of the restaurant if I were you.

The French Cafe, Balham

Ok, so wedding diet over and back into eating out with a vengeance!

After first visiting the French Cafe for Tom's birthday we've been back twice since and I would say it's pretty good. The prix fixe is excellent value at £9.95 for 2 courses and the Bavette de Bouef is especially good. It has a nice relaxed atmosphere, a pretty decent house wine (which they serve in carafs) and the pear and almond tart is really tasty.

Worth a visit if you are in the area...