Babylon - Kensington

Set one hundred feet above Kensington High Street in central London, The Roof Gardens and Babylon Restaurant are absolutely amazing, the wow factor alone has to put Babylon on everyone's 'must dine there' list and that's before even thinking about the food. With over 1.5 acres of themed gardens including fully grown oaks and a flowing stream stocked with fish and wildlife, there is a Tudor garden with roses and lilies, a Spanish garden based on the Alhambra in Granada and an English woodland, a wonderland in spring and complete with ducks and flamingos.

The Roof Gardens is part of Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson's portfolio of unique retreats and it is the backdrop for some of London's finest cuisine. The kitchen sets about making good use of prime British ingredients for a modern menu which may start off with perhaps truffled Jerusalem artichoke soup, oak smoked salmon with sweet potato blinis topped with soft creamy salmon or pumpkin and wild mushroom risotto before moving onto the surf & turf combo, a 28-day aged rib-eye beef with langoustines & béarnaise sauce or roast fillet of halibut on a bed of wilted kale, fennel and samphire. For desserts expect to see the likes of clementine cheesecake or a sweet, gooey and rich milk chocolate tart with a scoop of creamy peanut brittle ice cream.

There is nothing better on a fine day than to dine al fresco on the terrace and then wander through the Gardens of Babylon. Look out for live jazz on Tuesday night.

Note: The Roof Gardens is located at 99 Kensington High Street and access is via Derry Street which branches off Kensington High Street.