Restaurants

Although the decor here is an appreciably elegant palette of pale pistachio leather, milky walls and glossy dark wood, most diners just ogle the mesmerising views from the Hilton’s 28th floor. Galvin and a slick bar have the entire floor to themselves, away from the more pedestrian hotel comings and goings. With all London spread out like a laden table below and the wind whipping against the floor-to-ceiling glass, this is one of the most sensorially exciting places to eat in the capital. And there’s good food too. The set lunch menu has shifted up a gear since our last visit, the simpler bistro-fare eschewed in favour of a more classical haute-cuisine approach typical of the evening à la carte and gourmand tasting menus. Expect the likes of poché-rôti Anjou pigeon and pommes écrasées, plus a host of other extravagantly labelled but still-delicious dishes such as slow-cooked mackerel with smoked eel beignets and hollandaise, and wild forest mushroom risotto with aged parmesan. Prices are up too, with the advertised £29 three-course lunch in reality £45 with water, house wine and coffee included (£50 with service).

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009