Doing the business in London

If you thought Britain was a gourmet wasteland, think again. Londoners are increasingly interested in good food, and Michelin-starred restaurants are springing up across the capital. Locals tend not to linger over their lunch or dinner, so don’t be surprised if everybody eats up and leaves within an hour. Service is usually included, but if not, add ten to 15 percent.

Stellar value - Arbutus
Soho's Arbutus quickly bagged a Michelin star for its informal surrounds and Modern European dishes. The lunch menu and wines by the carafe are especially good value.
Website: arbutusrestaurant.co.uk

Fresh flavours - Tom’s Kitchen
Chef Tom Aikens prides himself on sourcing high-quality ingredients for his Chelsea brasserie’s Anglo-French menu. Private rooms make it ideal for business meetings.
Website: tomskitchen.co.uk

Japanese with panoramic views Ubon
Like sister restaurant Nobu, Ubon has a unique take on Japanese cuisine. It’s in the Canary Wharf business district, overlooking the City of London.
Website: noburestaurants.com


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Large, reliable chain or quirky Victorian house? It’s your choice. Most hotels have wifi, but for more extensive facilities, you may be better off in modern hotels. London is busy year-round, but particularly in summer, so book ahead.

Central location - The Strand Palace Hotel
Near Covent Garden, the Strand Palace Hotel has an Art Deco façade, but its rooms are thoroughly modern with minimalist décor.
Website: strandpalacehotel.co.uk

Modern amenities - Park Plaza Victoria London
Close to Victoria Station, the Park Plaza Victoria London is contemporary in style, with spacious bedrooms, wifi, and a sleek restaurant.
Website: parkplaza.com

Edwardian charm - Cadogan Hotel
Located in prestigious Knightsbridge, the Cadogan Hotel is full of 19th-century English charm. Stay amid period furniture in Oscar Wilde’s suite, but with all the mod cons.
Website: cadogan.com


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As well as major exhibition venues like Earl’s Court and Excel, there are numerous business centres in London, from purpose-built conference centres to tourist attractions offering quirky meeting rooms.

All aboard - HMS Belfast
Prepare your sea legs for HMS Belfast, docked on the South Bank of the Thames. The World War II battle ship has a range of conference rooms - hire the Admiral’s Quarters for a meeting with a difference.
Website: hmsbelfast.iwm.org.uk

Gothic splendour - Holborn Bars
This grand neo-Gothic building in the City of London has over 40 meeting and function rooms, with internet and plasma screens.
Website: holborn.html

Near St Pancras - MIC Hotel and Conference Centre
Not far from St Pancras International, Euston's MIC Hotel and Conference Centre is a modern venue with fully-equipped meeting rooms for two to 150 delegates.
Website: micentre.com


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Central London Tube stations are often close together, so it’s sometimes quicker to walk.

Flag black cabs in the street, or at ranks in front of hotels and stations.

Taxi drivers expect a small tip – round up the fare.

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