Winter Wonderland

Standing out as one of the top hotels in London, The Landmark has a lot to live up to. So it's safe to say we're expecting a lot from an evening out in the 5* Marylebone hotel.

Starting out in the small but chic Mirror bar for a little pre-dinner people watching, we find it filled with a variety of accents. Businessmen are shaking hands, hotel clientèle are relaxing and a lady who seems to be getting over her relationship by indulging in plastic surgery and drinks at the bar is divulging all to the ever-patient barman. It's that kind of place – rich, decadent and sophisticated.

Over to the main event. The Winter Garden restaurant sits beneath a giant atrium giving a sense of space rarely found in London while soft piano music and gentle lighting continue that sophisticated ambience. It's mature, sure, and we're probably the youngest people there but it's romantic and elegant in a way that could never be described as trendy but will never go out of fashion.

So, to the food. The starters come in small, beautifully presented portions. My crab is tasty, if a little unexciting but my partner's thin slices of duck are absolutely to die for. It's the mains that are the star of the meal though. My generous portion of veal is perfectly cooked and accompanied by a rich bernaise sauce and some of the best mushrooms I've ever tasted while the lamb chops are wonderfully meaty and juicy.

Dessert is a chocolate fondant pudding which has just the right amount of gooey chocolate flowing out as you break the exterior while a black cherry sorbet adds even more decadence to an already luxurious dish. It's a stand-out meal which surpases our high expectations.

While there are so many great restaurants to choose from in the capital, Winter Garden provides a welcome break from the busier London restaurants while delivering some outstanding food in a romantic setting which is just oh so sophisticated.