This autumn TGI Friday’s will be adding 64 new concoctions to its cocktail menu. The world famous chain is well known for its great food, high-energy and authentic American atmosphere. However, it has also played a significant role in the development of mixology and the art of flair bartending. Last month, TGI invited London Insider to an exclusive event to celebrate the launch of its new cocktails.

Oktoberfest is almost upon us, and while we’re not deep in Bavarian lands in Germany, there’s still big celebrations in London to mark this festival.

Working London professionals would have at one point or another had one of Itsu’s ubiquitous take-away sushi boxes. However, this Japanese takeaway chain have in the recent past opened up proper sit-down restaurants, where much of the same food – and a few new dishes – are served.

Teachi was surprisingly a restaurant that straddled two categories, with what seemed like a very Westernised menu at first, but upon closer inspection, revealed a whole range of authentic Malaysian and Chinese dishes.

Coming from a family who absolutely loves seafood, I’m always excited when I come across a new restaurant specialising in seafood. One such place that I recently went to was FishWorks on Swallow Street, part of a chain of seafood restaurants across London where they not only have an emphasis on serving oysters, lobsters, and fish , but also having a fishmonger counter on the premises.

Given the number of French restaurants in London and how far they go back, historical artefacts with a French connection in London go well beyond Nelson’s Column. Just a short walk from Trafalgar Square in Covent Garden is a proper institution, Mon Plaisir – London’s oldest French restaurant.

Its curtains swinging open for the summer months only, Mayfair’s vintage bar and kitchen Salon D’Été must vacate their premises on September 5th. It’s a true pop-up venue! Up and down in London like a jack-in-the-box.

Having arrived at Fire & Stone expecting just another Pizzeria chain in London, my opinion has done a complete 180 degrees u-turn. Fire & Stone have essentially re-invented the pizza that will leave most traditional Italians groaning in horror, but I think they have pulled it off really well. Where else in London would you find such unique toppings such as mint yoghurt sauce, common roasted sweet potato, macadamia nuts, or black pudding on a pizza?

An interesting new Japanese restaurant has opened up in London, but unlike the countless others, this one is really unique. Modelled on the traditional Japanese udon noodle house, this place serves handmade udon with authentic broth, in 4 different styles. If you’re a fan of the big fat white noodles, this is one place you have to visit.

Recently I came across what I thought was a really good deal for L’Autre Pied, a One Michelin Star restaurant just off Marylebone High Street. As with most good restaurants in London, L’Autre Pied has always been on my radar, and when Lastminute.com were offering a 5-course meal for £21, and on a weekend, I jumped at the chance to give it a go.