“Last-minute or planned, at-bar dining is a sociable, relaxed way to eat without the formality sometimes expected in top restaurants - ideal for first dates.”

Serving up oysters and arguably the best fish pie in London, J Sheekey Oyster Bar is a charmingly traditional (but not at all stuffy) destination, perfectly located for pre-theatre dining – a real treat. Equally chic is Le Caprice – sip on champagne, dine on British classics and soak up the Mayfair vibe in this art-deco, ever popular restaurant. Bar Boulud below Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park also offers counter-dining together with a high table (walk-ins only) that seats 8 people.

For something a little more vibrant, head to Barrafina in Soho for exquisite tapas and delicious wine that (justifiably) draws a queue almost every night of the week. The tapas dishes at Opera Tavern are equally delicious and the rustic, cosy setting makes for the perfect place to perch whilst on a romantic date. Or, for something really low-key, relaxed and snug, head to Mao Tai for cocktails and Asian light bites.

Bocca di Lupo serves small Italian plates that can be enjoyed from the bar whilst observing the spectacle of the chefs in action. Continuing the Italian theme, Polpo remains a popular hub amongst a Soho set, as are the highly coveted seats at the bar at Dean Street Townhouse.

While a table in the restaurant at Zuma may be the most sought-after town, the traditional Izakaya style of dining adopted in the bar allows diners to snack on the esteemed dishes from the main menu in a buzzy and informal atmosphere. And at its cooler-but-less-glamourous little sister Roka in Fitzrovia, diners can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine whilst sat before the flaming robata grill.