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Eat

Old: J Sheekey
Despite the abundance of fresh produce available along the coastlines of England, tracking down quality seafood in the capital can be a challenge. Thankfully, you can always rely on J Sheekey, which has been serving up a selection of the country’s finest fish for well over a century. Everything from fish pie to chargrilled cuttlefish is cooked to dependably delectable perfection in a venue transfused with the excitement of London’s surrounding theatreland. 28-32 St Martin’s Court, + 44 20 7240 2565; www.j-sheekey.co.uk.

New: Albion at The Boundary Project
Once a relatively barren land on London’s culinary map, east London now boasts a wide range of hip eateries. At the top of the heap is the Terrence Conran-owned Albion. Within an elegantly decorated interior, the Albion serves the best in British cuisine at affordable prices. The rendition of crisply battered fish and chips is a particular favourite, but classics such as Irish stew and kedgeree are equally pleasing to both palate and pocket. 2-4 Boundary St, +44 20 7729 105; www.albioncaff.co.uk.

Sleep

Old: Claridge’s
The opulent Claridge’s has long been the Mayfair destination for comfort, service and downright decadence. From the lavish art deco interior style, to the Michelin-starred restaurant run by Gordon Ramsay, a stay at Claridge’s is an exercise in 1930s-style glamour. On a wintry London evening, nothing beats slipping through the hidden door that conceals ‘The Fumoir’ – a sensuous, low-lit bar perfect for a secret rendezvous. 53 Brook Street, +44 20 7629 8860; www.claridges.co.uk.

New: The Zetter
If you’re looking for a modern, stylish and very reasonably priced boutique hotel, The Zetter should be your first port of call. Situated in fashionable Clerkenwell, the hotel incorporates all the modern amenities you’d expect, with a host of elegant design touches: think Penguin paperbacks, pink mood lighting and Eley Kishimoto textiles. Whatever your room rate, the staff offer a level of service usually only found in the most deluxe of London hotels. St John’s Square, 86-88 Clerkenwell Rd, +44 20 7324 4444; www.thezetter.com.

Do

Old(ish): London Eye
The world’s largest observation wheel rotates so slowly that you’ll barely notice it moving – until you’ve reached the summit and are taking in views that span for miles. Choose one of the special ‘flights’, which offer luxuries such as Pimm’s or Green & Black’s chocolate to enhance the already hedonistic sightseeing experience. Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, +44 870 5000 600; www.londoneye.co.uk.

New: Rhizotron and Xstrata Treetop Walkway
London is a remarkably green city, and Kew Gardens is the finest botanical experience on offer, boasting an arboretum, an orchid collection and a water-lily house. The recently opened Rhizotron and Xstrata Treetop Walkway is a particularly exhilarating experience, offering the chance to roam through a lush woodland canopy 18 metres above the ground. Royal Botanic Gardens, Richmond, +44 20 8332 5655; www.kew.org.

For more information, see Time Out London.

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