Good places to have lunch

Ba Shan (£–££)

Order authentic Sichuan street snacks in this modern version of a traditional Chinese café in Soho.

24 Romilly Street 020 7287 3266

Butler’s Wharf Chop House (££)

British food combined with great views of the river.

Butler’s Wharf Building, 36E Shad Thames 020 7403 3403

Café in the Crypt (£)

This oasis of calm will provide a welcome break from the frenzied activity of Trafalgar Square. Good salads, soups, sandwiches and light meals.

St Martin-in-the-Fields, Duncannon Street 020 7766 1158

Fountain Restaurant (££)

Informal brasserie in posh Fortnum and Mason store.

Jermyn Street entrance 0845 602 5694

The Gun (£–££)

Waterside gastropub in Docklands, serving stylish pub grub.

27 Coldharbour 020 7515 5222

Inn the Park (££)

Contemporary restaurant in the heart of St James’s Park.

St James’s Park, near Admiralty Arch 020 7451 9999

J Sheekey (£–££)

A West End theatrical institution: fish and seafood with a modern twist.

28–32 St Martin’s Court 020 7240 2565

Northbank (£–££)

By the Millennium Bridge, overlooking Tate Modern, this serves well-priced Modern English dishes: cheese and onion tart, and herby sausages.

1 Paul’s Walk 020 7329 9299

Portrait Restaurant (£–££)

Food matches views from the National Portrait Gallery’s rooftop restaurant.

St Martin’s Place, Trafalgar Square 020 7312 2490

World Food Café (£)

An organic health food eatery set in a courtyard overlooking Neal’s Yard.

14 Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden 020 7379 0298