Lanfranc's Restaurant - Harrow

Billed as 'the hotel for all seasons', the Quality Harrow is run with professionalism as well as a sense of humour. The tastefully decorated, airy restaurant takes its odd name from Archbishop Lanfranc, born in Lombardy in 1005 and later – according to the Domesday Book – the owner of Harrow (then known as Herges). That's about as far as the connection goes.

Long-serving chef Stephan Szmolanski (known to all as 'the wise one') sources many of his ingredients direct from the London markets and puts them to good use for menus with a classic European slant. You might begin with lobster bisque or a cocktail of smoked salmon, crab and peppers with Marie Rose sauce, before tournedos Rossini or Dover sole meunière. Desserts are also in the traditional mould of blackberry and raspberry mille-feuille or a brandy snap basket filled with seasonal fruit.

For special occasions, guests can design their own menus and choose finishing touches such as flowers and chocolates.