The interiors at Otto's are all old-school, but the dishes are fresh, inventive takes on French classics. We love settling in for a long, cosy evening and probing the knowledgeable staff on their best bites and fave bottles. Otto’s is our ultimate spot for a date - whether first or last.

There’s always an interesting crowd huddled under heaters on the busy pavement terrace outside this Bloomsbury trattoria. The menu may be an AngloItalian mix of salmon tagliatelle and bolognese, and the pepper grinders comically large, but there are few spots in the city quite this cheerful. Generous plates of pasta and a rabblerousing piano player on weekends.

A combination of the creativity of interior designer Ben Pentreath and decorative artist Bridie Hall makes for one of the loveliest shops in London. Everything from Hall’s alphabet pen pots to the waste-paper bins are exquisite – designed to smarten up any living space. It’s genuinely difficult to leave without a gift for yourself, or someone else.

A Bloomsbury wine shop from the brilliant team behind Noble Rot magazine and restaurants. Founders Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew vouch for everything here, which means it’s the best in sustainable wine culture. Plus, there’s a handy UK-wide delivery service too.