Brompton Quarter Brasserie

A chic, oasis of calm in the heart of London's bustling Knightsbridge

Where? Brompton Quarter Brasserie, 225 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW3 2EJ (0207 225 2107; www.bqbrasserie.com)

What? Located a short, five-minute walk down the high street from Harrods, this modern glass-fronted brasserie is perfectly placed in London's high-end shopping district. With a simple but scrumptious philosophy, it serves a refreshingly uncomplicated menu, with old favourites like tuna nicoise salad, pork chops and sausage 'n' mash.

Recommended? We began our ritual with the complimentary bread selection, before moving on to a starter of smoked haddock and creme fraiche risotto. For the main event, we chose dishes of Gressingham duck with celeriac puree, wild mushrooms and orange jus, and the pan fried sea bass with fennel puree and new potato crush (there are plenty of choices for lunch, like home-made burgers, pasta dishes and chicken with sunblushed tomatoes & chorizo, as well as dishes that are a bit more posh).

And to drink? We indulged in a lovely chilled glass of rose champagne (fresh strawberries provided the finishing touch) and were really pleased with a recommendation on a bottle of wine.

So, will it blow the budget? Prices range depending on what you're having, with items on the a la carte menu from £10.95 to £21.95. Then there's steak, which is understandably a little more expensive, and the sharing menu (around £30 for 4-5 dishes between two).

Need to know? The Brompton Quarter Brassierie is open from 7.30am until 11pm Mon-Fri, and 8am until 11pm on weekends.