Best & Cool Bars in Paines Lane

"What: Sky Garden may be known for its lush greenery (the perfect backdrop for an impromptu photoshoot), but its sprawling views of the capital are also worth a mention. The Sky Pod bar, which isn’t separated from the rest of the space, allows guests to stand around admiring the views or pull up a chair to rest their legs. All the usual drinks can be found here (including a selection of signature cocktails), while the food menu features sharing platters of charcuterie, seafood or dessert."

"Located on floor 36 of the iconic Walkie Talkie, the views from the Darwin Brasserie are pretty striking. Although Fenchurch Restaurant – one of Sky Garden’s other offerings – is higher, the Darwin Brasserie has better views thanks to its position further back from the Sky Garden’s atrium roof. A good option if you want to enjoy the sights without the flocks of camera totting tourists."

"Offering perhaps the best free vantage point in Central London, the indoor viewing decks and restaurants occupying the top three floors of 20 Fenchurch Street (known to locals as the "walkie-talkie") are a great place to hang out without spending a penny. It is open daily, just book your free visit in advance."

"Restaurants Contemporary European Mayfair. Like the rest of this luxe Mayfair extravaganza, Sketch’s velvet-clad dandy-esque Gallery is a lesson in more-is-more eclecticism, complete with semi-permanent exhibitions from high-profile artists like David Shrigley. Afternoon tea in this decadent pink boudoir is one of the quirkiest in town."

"Giving new meaning to the term 'theatrical dining', Sketch is taking guests on a culinary experience from start to finish. Take a seat in one of the West End restaurant's Wes Anderson-esque rooms and tuck into a luxurious breakfast, afternoon tea or three Michelin-starred meal."

"A real sought-after restaurant in Mayfair, Sketch initially grabs attention with its unique decor. Then the grub takes over. Is it an art gallery?"

"It's part of London's vast culinary mythology, and it feels a bit like stepping back in time to Covent Garden's theatrical heyday. J Sheekey offers a cornucopia of the city's freshest seafood in a darkly lit, brass embellished ambience which is perfect for highbrow romancing or laid back business dealings. Start with scallops in a halfshell with garlic and chilli for £17.50, and move on to a grilled Dover sole with bearnaise for £39.50."

"Restaurants British Covent Garden. J Sheekey lures lovers in with its red canopies on St Martin’s Court. What could appeal more than the chance to knock back a plate of native oysters overlooked by photos of the finest stars of stage and screen?"

"J Sheekey, aka “Sheekey’s,” has been a major player on the West End fish and shellfish scene since the 1890s. It is as dependable as it is theatrical, and the exemplary fish pie’s velvety cream sauce over cod, salmon and haddock makes it a comfort-food superstar."

"The paparazzi don’t stalk this Notting Hill landmark as they did in the glory days of models and movie stars, but a slick, well-heeled crowd is still drawn to Will Ricker’s concept of fashionable pan-Asian small plates. Mouth-watering dim sum include scallops with lemongrass, black cod and king prawn gow gee, various dumplings, ribs and the ever-popular chilli-salt squid, while the roll call of sushi, sashimi, curries, tempura and larger plates of whole crispy sea bass with ‘three flavours’, Wagyu strip-loin or Korean lamb with kimchi will make a sizeable but delicious dent in your bank balance. The restaurant’s interior is restrained and minimalist, with dark wood and crisp white linen, although a lively flash of pink in the bar announces great cocktails and a terrific buzz."

"Another Notting Hill favourite, E & O is a sought after eatery renowned for its Pan-Asian plates and cool dining atmosphere. For gourmet dishes of Chinese and Japanese persuasion, enjoy the vibrant cuisine of E & O and maybe even brush shoulders with some famous faces. Fronting an informal dining physique you never know, you could enter a whole new friendship circle."

"City Social is celebrity chef Jason Atherton’s Michelin Star restaurant on Level 24 of Tower 42 in the City of London. The elegant art deco-style restaurant sits against the backdrop of the stunning London skyline, with amazing views across to neighbouring skyscrapers, including the Gherkin and the Walking Talkie, and out over the rest of the capital. Enjoy the spectacular views from your private booth alongside Michelin star fine dining, with an offering of modern-British cuisine and an award-winning wine menu."

"Situated high up in the former NatWest Tower – which now goes by the more enigmatic Tower 42 – is City Social, the prestigious restaurant of London superchef Jason Atherton. City Social’s views are one thing – St Paul’s Cathedral on one end and an up-close view of the Gherkin next door on the other – but its food is what keeps turning heads. Atherton’s stereotypical style includes British produce, global influence and classical technique, all of which is in full flow at City Social."

"There are plenty of places in London to get seriously good cake – just take a look at our tips for the best bakeries and cupcake connoisseurs in the capital for proof. Konditor, however, really takes the biscuit. Its signature, best-selling Curly Whirly cake is not exactly inspired by the chocolate bar of the same name, but it inspires similar levels of childish delight: Belgian chocolate is melted into the sponge for richness, before the whole thing is slathered in cream cheese and vanilla bean frosting."

"Established in Waterloo in 1993, Konditor & Cook now have a legendary status in London as the makers of delicious, beautiful cakes using only the finest natural ingredients. For your work party, try one of the sharing platters or tray bakes. The peach and raspberry crumble looks amazing and is perfect for summer gatherings – if I was at your work do, you’d have to fight me for it."

"Konditor & Cook brownies were the first brownies I tried in London, and since then I have a very high bar for brownies. These brownies are exceptional. My absolute favorite is the Boston Brownie with tangy cranberries."

"Unless you've had your head buried in the sand for the last couple of years, you will have noticed Goose Island's takeover of the London craft beer scene. Head to their first UK bar in Shoreditch which delivers pints fresh from the brewing room and deep-pan Chicago-style pizza to soak it all up."

"In the centre of town sits King’s Head, a former coaching house dating back to 1455. While the stables are now used as a National Trust exhibition, The Farmer’s Bar is very much still a hubbub of social activity. The bar is well stocked with draught ales from the local Chiltern Brewery – a pint of Beechwood Bitter proving to be the most popular – and wines from the Rothschild Estate (home to Aylesbury’s most prominent family)."

"King’s Head is a local hotspot, and it’s run by the Chiltern Brewery, so you’ll find the bar stocked with ale from Chiltern. The pub is open from 11am to 11pm Monday through Saturday, and the pub stays open from noon to 10:30 pm on Sunday. Food service is available all week long."

"From stouts to the iconic Punk IPA, BrewDog is a church to all things hop-based. First founded in Scotland, it hasn't taken long for the craft beer temple to take over the world, with plenty of keg lines and guest ales on offer. Discover one of their London locations to see what all the fuss is about."