Brentford

Nights at the Old Fire Station are hotting up. Salsa nights, late opening at the weekend – even the plants are Yuccas. From the outside looking in, this is an attractive joint. The façade strikes a note of authenticity in ornate red-brick. The menu, however, is another matter; fire station fillet steak anyone? Black leather sofas compliment the spacious interior and when it’s not all hot, hot, hot, this stylish pub is a great place to chill.

San Marco is an elegant retreat; all contemporary curves, space, pale wood and sparkling glass. Tables are classically dressed with white linen and the menu is all you can expect – prepare yourself for a four-course feast. You may have too book early for a riverside seat, but the views from the full length windows are worth the planning. The nicest surprise of all? The price, which is entirely reasonable.

Going for a curry will never be the same. Pappadums’s peaceful location and vast frontage of clear glass is an indication of contemporary style, which the interior more than lives up to. Forget clashing colours and plastic plants, here diners enjoy pale lemon walls, cream linen and modish furnishings. Colourful lanterns over the bar strike a tasteful note for ethnic charm – and of course the menu brims with South Indian delights.

Near, but not actually overlooking the Thames, Glistening Waters provides its own blend of waterside tranquility with pale blue canopies and restful décor. Voluminous greenery and colourful tiger lilies give a taste of the Caribbean, and the menu does not disappoint with curried goat, roti, tiger prawns and coconut. Though small, Glistening Waters feels vibrant rather than restricted. We’ll definitely be back!