inn the park

From Time Out online: This is one of the best-located restaurants in London – and it's a looker too. The modern wooden structure fits perfectly into a lakeside slot in St James's Park, with every table having a water view. We've a real soft spot for this place – good for families (staff are charming with young diners), it's also a romantic night-time haunt, and whatever the occasion, it's affordable. Breakfasts might be a full english or a bowl of granola with yoghurt and pomegranate; at lunch there's a choice of sandwiches or a full meal. Star turns on a summer lunch menu were asparagus with morels, peas and mint in a butter-rich broth, and Devonshire Bronze chicken breast with braised fennel; beautifully tan chips were a nice side order. We made fast work of treacle tart with clotted cream, but special mention has to go to the British cheese plate: £7.50 bought goat's cheese, stilton and cheddar, a shiny apple, chutney and plenty of biscuits. All this is buttressed by a global wine list, and a fine batch of cocktails. A park café par excellence. Owner Oliver Peyton is also behind the National Dining Rooms .