Time & Space - Mayfair

You don't need to be a science buff to take advantage of the gastronomic treats on offer in this atmospheric restaurant tucked away within the enclaves of the revitalised Royal Institution. It's a delightful room filled with antique tomes and illuminated by purple lighting - a cool backdrop for food with a strong British slant.

Seasonal ingredients (many of them organic) are put through their paces for a menu that might kick off with slow-cooked egg with watercress salad, walnut and pear or white onion soup with an onion bhaji. To follow, consider grilled Cornish lemon sole with shrimps, parsley and capers or roast Suffolk chicken with borlotti beans and sun-blush tomatoes. Nostalgia rules when it comes to desserts such as summer pudding or lemon curd cup. Set menus are great value, and the short wine list is peppered with interesting stuff.

There's also a light and airy daytime café for morning pastries, light bites and afternoon tea, plus a chill-out bar overlooking the street for drinks at any time. Note that the restaurant also opens on Saturdays if there are special events at the RI.