Boulevard Brasserie

A bastion of the Covent Garden scene since 1991, this independent brasserie on three floors just keeps on rolling. Candles are lit in the evening, and if you are sitting upstairs there are French windows overlooking Wellington Street and beyond; in fine weather the ground-floor doors are flung open and the whole frontage becomes a proper alfresco haven. Brasserie cooking of the old school is the order of the day, from breakfasts of eggs Benedict or croque monsieur to moules marinière, crème brûlée and chocolate tart with mint Chantilly. Otherwise, drop in for a gutsy plate of beef bourguignon with mash, steak-frites or even char-grilled tuna niçoise. Wash it all down with affordable wines from France and beyond. A godsend for culture vultures and tourists visiting nearby attractions including The Royal Opera House.