Langan's Brasserie, London

This long-standing venue, co-owned by Michael Caine, is a favourite with both regulars and, increasingly, tourists. Modern art hangs from the walls, which have reverberated for more than 20 years with all the chuckles and general liveliness of its habitues. Lunch might include spinach souffle, calves' liver or duck. A great extra is the live music every evening after 10p. Listen while you take your time over the splendid desserts - creme brulee, rum baba, vacherin Montmorency or poire Belle Helene to name a few. A sister restaurant called Langan's Coq D'Or is located in South Kensington.