Cow (The), London

Simple and rustic in style, and with a genuine and warm ambience, The Cow is a cross between an Irish Guinness pub and a French-style oyster bar. The bar is usually heaving with trendy locals as well as those locals who, one might guess, have lived in the area all their lives. The upstairs restaurant is more formal yet tiny - you must book. The seafood is definitely top of the agenda whether you eat in the downstairs bar or upstairs restaurant, though meat is also available. True to his family form, Tom Conran (yes - another Conran family talent!) is likely to fully satisfy your culinary demands. The wine list offers a few unusual alternatives.