Roux at the Landau, Regent Street

Luxurious yet laid-back dining in a hotel without any of the pomp and ceremony is still a rare find. Roux at the Landau just north of Oxford Circus, within the decidedly grand The Langham, has nailed it.

Roux at the Landau provides diners with the opportunity to sample the best of modern European cuisine. Using French cooking techniques, the talented chefs strive to serve up gloriously simple dishes – and they succeed. Having ingredients and provenance led by Michel Roux Jr. and an elegantly informal re-styling by David Collins Studio has worked wonders on what was previously a somewhat intimidatingly grand dining experience.

Grazing at the bar with superb snacks is encouraged – as is enjoying an extensive sampling of its cheese cabinet. The five-course tasting menu is stunning and includes exquisite desserts by head pastry chef Andrew Gravett, who has long been recognised as one of the best in the business.