E&O

Stretching from Hoxton to World's End, Will Ricker's pan-Asian empire may have become formulaic over the years - but what a formula. Each restaurant offers an appealing mix of dim sum, salads, tempura, sushi, curries and proteins such as miso-marinated black cod and Korean-style barbecue chicken.

The vibe is sexy enough for a date, yet also appeals to families. Children love the shareability of pan-Asian food, and their parents are supported with a serious bar (destinations in their own right) and even kiddie party-planning services.

Cocktails are a big draw; the lengthy list of tropical herb, fruit and floral flavours partnered by good spirits includes intrigues such as the Osaka Cyclone and Mekong Fizz. Alternatively, there's a choice of draught beers, including Asahi, and an international wine selection with 175ml glasses starting at around £4.

What's not to like? Well, the cooking rarely hits the heights the prices do, but the disarmingly friendly service from hipster staff helps compensate. Then there's the satisfying sense that (at E&O, at least), you've dined and drank among the cool crowd; it's a tribute to Ricker's slick operation that they've kept coming back for so long.