Gerrards Cross, International Restaurant Guide

Owned by the National Trust since 1942 and a hotel since 1985, former guests at this famous palazzo (dating from 1666) include many of the 20th century’s most famous figures (Churchill, Gandhi, Roosevelt…). The “slightly stuffy but still jaw-dropping ambience of the beautiful dining room” of this famous palazzo makes it a perennial nomination for a “romantic” meal, but its fairly conventional modern European cuisine (with starting options including a wide selection of caviar) has never established itself as an especially foodie one, particularly for those concerned with value. as it can often seem “overpriced”. Top Tip – “Heavenly afternoon tea” – “a nicer location than grand London hotels” and “the views are exceptional”.

Brunching families by day, couples sipping cocktails by night are drawn to Lorraine Angliss’s cute all-day local, which is celebrating its quarter century this year. Key to its appeal is the site – a cosily decorated corner in the picturesque heart of charming Strand-on-the Green (but with no river views). This was Lorraine’s first venture: her empire now includes four other places under the Little Bird and Rock & Rose brands.

“Delicious amuse bouche and melt-in-the-mouth guinea fowl!” – Nathan Cornwell’s “exciting” cooking provided numerous reporters with their best meal of the year at this Chiswick venue, which owner Tim Price is working hard to put on London’s culinary map. One challenge is the anonymous location: a very pleasant but slightly uneventful space, easily missed amidst the jumble of chain-restaurants and furniture stores on Chiswick’s high street.

Lovely river views are a big draw to this bar and brasserie, whose glass-walled dining room and (above all) coveted terrace enjoy a “great” setting on the Thames near Teddington Lock. The modern European cooking (more “competent” than it is exciting, perhaps) nods to the location with plenty of fish and shellfish alongside afternoon teas – and, given the superb location and “friendly” staff (they also lay on regular jazz nights) it’s a decidedly useful sort of space.

Some “all-round superb” meals thanks to chef Leonard Kola win praise from fans of this “lovely” neighbourhood venue in East Sheen, a couple of whom had their best meal of the year here. The menu is quite eclectic, with some focus on steak and seafood grills, plus seafood and vegetarian curries. Top Tip – early evenings and daytimes at weekends there are set deals from £22 per person.