Gate Bar , London 

Gate Bar

Next to the cool Notting Hill Gate cinema, this cosy West London restaurant-bar has been here for three years but still manages to look fresh and inspired. A chic, open-plan design with a small partition between the dining area and the bar, there's a comfy main lounge space usually occupied by arty West London film types. The menu changes every few months with a special chef's theme. It was New World when we were there: a great fusion of Ozzie, Kiwi and Saffa (South African) dishes that included a juicy Afrikaans-influenced ox-tail stew. But it's the drinks that seem popular with the local posh tottie: Champagne Bellinis and various house martinis for starters. Try their Gate Paradise Martini: a vodka with strawberries and cream combo that tastes like summertime. Even in winter.