Skylon

With views overlooking the Thames and the South Bank, as well as its soft lighting and chic interiors, Skylon has long been a favourite among Londoners. But while the setting might tick all the boxes for destination dining, the cooking wasn't quite hitting the same high notes as the Royal Festival Hall location – which is why owners D&D London have revamped the menu with a line-up of classic comfort food.

The cooking might be uncomplicated, but ingredients are fastidiously sourced and executed to high standards – think a heap of fresh and sweet Devonshire crab served on toasted bread and smothered with brown crab mayonnaise, or a warming bowl of velvety white coco bean soup, accompanied by a slither of toast piled high with chopped mushrooms.

The best thing we ate was a classic dish of fish & chips from the pre-theatre menu: flaky Brixham haddock wrapped in a deep-fried casing of batter and served with mushy peas, tangy tartar sauce and never-bettered thick-cut chips, golden and crisp with every bite.

For afters, try sticky toffee pudding served with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream, or opt for Skylon’s upmarket take on a slice of apple pie, a disc of pastry crowned with slices of stewed apple and a scoop of milk ice cream.

Sweet staff and a wide-ranging international wine list are further draws, while a variety of menus (brunch, lunch, Sunday roast) solidify Skylon’s status as a reliable all-round performer in London’s ever-evolving restaurant scene.

Whether you're a born-and-raised Londoner or you've been living in the city for years, there are certain views that still make you say 'wow'. And, looking out from the third floor of the Royal Festival Hall, across the Thames and over to some of the capital's most recognisable buildings is one of them. 

This is where you'll find Skylon, the Royal Festival Hall's in-house restaurant which takes its name from the original, iconic structure which was built for the 1951 Festival of Britain. Today, it's a stylish and well-to-do eatery, boasting huge, floor-to-ceiling windows and mid-century design details that nod back to that time, mixed with contemporary touches, too. 

In the heart of the restaurant there's a stunning central bar, often flanked by large vases filled with flamboyant floral schemes. Here is a wonderful place to enjoy a drink and soak up the buzzy atmosphere. It would be rude not to try one of the signature cocktails, such as the Southbank's Martini which mixes Cambridge Gin, elderflower, lime juice, fresh cucumber and lychee juice. There's also a lengthy selection of sparkling cocktails, as well as all the classics. Plus, if a bite at the bar is what you're after, there's a selected menu with nibbles such as an English cheese board, Nocellara olives and truffle parmesan fries. 

When it comes to food there are several menus available, beginning with a la carte which focuses on traditional British fare with some European influences, too. Here, you'll find mains such as crab and prawn linguine, Barnsley lamb chop and ale battered haddock. To be followed by puddings such as date and molasses sticky toffee pudding and English trifle. 

Other menus to try include the weekend brunch with prawn cocktail, smashed avocado toast and plenty of egg dishes, while the set and pre-and-post theatre menus offer deals on two or three courses.