The Lobster Pot - Kennington

Cast yourself adrift in oceans of seafood, advises Hervé Régent, the French Chef Proprietor of this quirky Kennington restaurant called The Lobster Pot and don't be put off if you hear the sound of seagulls or melodious sea shanties, it's all part of London's slightly surreal experience known as The Lobster Pot. Once inside, you'll find a dining room decked out to resemble the inside of a trawler, complete with cabin seating, a porthole window and a maritime riot of brass lamps, nets, corks and shells.

Hervé's pride and joy is his specially devised 'Surprise 8-course Menu' – a feast of miniature dishes that comes in at £44.50 per head (or £49.50 if you want lobster). At other times, indulge in one of M. Régent's specialities – perhaps his bouillabaisse, mussels with garlic, tomato and cream sauce or sea bass with cream, Pernod and wild mushroom sauce – not forgetting gigantic 'plateaux de fruits de mer'. There are a few token gestures towards carnivores, including suprême of chicken with Cajun spices and roast rack of lamb with mint sauce. As a finale, the homemade pancakes (perhaps served with mango and raspberry sauce) are a must.

Above the main restaurant is The Deck, a private room that has been astonishingly designed to evoke the harbour at Saint Malo. This can be hired for private parties of 10-20 people, but you must book in advance.