CURRENT POPULATION: 7,512,000
% POP GROWTH: 0.75 %
CITY AREA: 1,579 KM2

CITY DENSITY: 4,758 INH/KM2
GDP PER CAPITA: €27,590
DIALLING CODE: +44

WITH FRIENDS
S&M CAFE
28 LEADENHALL MARKET, EC3
TEL. 020 7626 6646
Food doesn’t come much simpler and more satisfying than sausage and mash, and the S&M chain has worked out a foolproof formula for dishing it up across London. Their latest outlet is in Leadenhall Market and has been packed from opening with City folk in search of comfort food.

ENTERTAINING A CLIENT
MIN JIANG
2-4 KENSINGTON HIGH STREET, W8
TEL. 020 7361 1988
This new restaurant at the top of the Royal Garden Hotel boasts beautiful views, but come here for the outstanding Beijing duck. Roasted in a wood fired oven by a master chef, the duck is carved at your table and served in several courses, including duck wraps that redefine the takeaway favourite.

CLOSING THE DEAL
ORRERY
55 MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET, W1
TEL. 020 7616 8000
Relaxed refinement is the order of the day here, with a menu that combines familiar classics and more modern concoctions, including a memorable tiger prawn risotto. With an expansive wine list and a cheese board that has to be seen to believed, Orrery is guaranteed to impress the most seasoned of restaurant-goers.

STYLE
MOLTON HOUSE
43 MOLTON STREET, W1
TEL. 020 7493 1688
Molton House includes a restaurant, bars, dining suite and an underground club, but it’s the lavish avant-garde interior that really sets it apart. Faux snake, ostrich and stingray covers the furniture, and the DJ booth is a stained glass peacock.

RELAX
GORDON’S WINE BAR
47 VILLIERS STREET, WC2
TEL. 020 7930 1408
The oldest wine bar in London, Gordon’s is the place if you’re looking for something a bit unpolished. Sited in an underground cellar, it hasn’t changed for a century – aged newspapers adorn the walls and candles in empty bottles push back the shadows. The extensive wine list is great value for money, and the relaxed atmosphere makes this the perfect after-work tonic.

MUSIC
CARGO
83 RIVINGTON STREET, EC2
TEL. 020 7749 7844
Catering for the urban market, Cargo is tucked away in trendy Shoreditch. Great for cutting edge acts, Cargo also offers an eclectic mix of soul, some great DJs and sizzling South American-inspired street food that compliments the extensive Latin-style cocktail list.

VALUE
DERBY HOTEL LONDON
155-157 CROMWELL ROAD, SW5
TEL. 020 7244 1199
Found in leafy Kensington, Derby Hotel London is two minutes from Earl’s Court tube station, and an easy walk from the city’s museums. Breakfast is a highlight, served in the charming restaurant overlooking the hotel gardens.

BUSINESS
THE GORE
190 QUEEN’S GATE, SW7
TEL. 020 7584 6601
English tradition is backed by 21st-century technology at the elegant Gore hotel, in the heart of London and a five-minute walk from Kensington High Street and the Royal Albert Hall. Notable for its Tudor decor, hundreds of sketches and oil paintings from the period line the hallway. Free Wi-fi access means you can stay connected, but if you have a bit of downtime, take a book down to the drawing room and enjoy a peaceful cup of tea.

BESPOKE
THE ZETTER
86-88 CLERKENWELL ROAD, EC1
TEL. 020 7324 4444 Converted from a 19th-century warehouse, the Zetter opened its doors in 2004. Designed by Michael Benyan and Mark Sainsbury, the men behind the acclaimed Moro restaurant, its main feature is an impressive restaurant that snakes around the ground floor, looking out onto St John’s Square through regal sash windows.

Camden’s popular Proud Central Gallery (www.proud.co.uk) is showcasing the work of legendary rock photographer Keith Morris. Parting Shots will span the whole of Morris’ career, and feature striking and often rare images of iconic bands such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Led Zeppelin. The show runs until 17 November.

Take an Early Bird trip to the West End on 28 November and beat the Christmas shopping rush (www.oxfordstreet.co.uk). Early risers will be rewarded with special discounts from participating stores including Liberty, Jaeger and House of Fraser, which will be open from 7am.

Ice skating at Somerset House (www.somersethouse.org.uk) is one of London’s most magical seasonal experiences. Enjoy the stately surroundings as you glide around the dazzling Tiffany Christmas tree, lapping up the festive spirit. The ice rink is open from 19 November to 25 January 2009.

An estimated half a million mice are thought to be living rent free on the London Underground system, and can often be seen scurrying along the tube tracks as you wait for your train.

WORDS BY KIAN NORTHCOTE