A London Journal

Resto 7 Lao Café, Covent Garden

Lao Café is a place where it's good to know your way around the menu to ensure maximum pleasure. Yummy ants? Read on to find out.

‘A Soldier’s Song’ visits the Inns of Court

The Devil's Own turn out to be the perfect hosts for this devil of a boy that is Hector Woolley. Read more to find out why ...

Marivaux and Berlioz

After a weekend of Berlioz on Radio 3 it's also now time to reveal that ASoSo (as it's become to cast and crew) is itself inspired in part by Hector Berlioz. On reading the original Marivaux it rapidly became apparent to me that the male lead's romantic obsession with Araminte had a powerful resonance with the real life obsession that Berlioz had with the actress Harriet Smithson

Resto 6 Tomo, Hornsey

Excellent trad Italian with impeccable service.

Resto 5 Franco Manca, Kings Cross

If you want to survive in the Italian market you've got to do better than that.

Resto 4 Saigon, Northampton

Saigon does the business - high quality Vietnamese and a wonderful proprietor. 'Year of pig! VERY LUCKY!!

Resto 3 – BFI Riverfront, Waterloo

A vast improvement in food, service and atmosphere, I'd like to go back some time and try out the rest of the pizza. Alas, we didn't have the time to linger and watch some Antonioni, spontanaiety being more elusive thanks to marriage to Mrs Woof.

Resto 2 – Holborn Dining Room, Holborn

A weird one this - I had an excellent dining experience (that cost me a packet) yet I couldn't wait to get back to my usual milieu amongst the Pitmen of The Whippet for a digestif and a good chat about home.