It’s our anniversary soon and we’re going to dump the kid with my sister and then stay in central London for the night (hotel is near Tower Bridge).

We want something a bit fancier than a Toby Carvery, but nothing that will break the bank. Circa £150 for the two of us I reckon.

We’ll eat any kind of cuisine so fire away with your suggestions.

(this is in 4 weekends’ time, so anywhere with a 6 month waiting list is out)

Thanks

"Dump the kid" Don't want to sound judgemental, but that's not exactly the best choice of words!

I'm sure someone familiar with eateries in London will put you in the right direction.

When I saw someone who lives in the Highlands respond (without wanting to sound judgemental myself - after all, that's where I live) I thought "This will be worth looking at"

To AH - I've found Trip Advisor to be very good for this sort of thing. Read the comments in particular

Ha ha ha brilliant Jim!

These youngsters eh!

Ach, I'm really just a big softie when it comes to children. These days there is so much out there to go wrong & my wife is a lecturer in child psychology & youth development. Our family circle is very strong, sorry for going on....

It seems all the "hot" places are either really small, pop-up kind of places, or they don't do booking, so you have to run the risk of queueing (see anything Jay Rayner has reviewed in the Observer/Guardian recently).

I can't really recall a good, poncy type place in London that I have enjoyed all that much.
In fact the nicest thing I've had in London recently was a Korean place called Bibimbap in Soho somewhere. Not really the type of place to go if you are trying to impress!

There used to be a very good Argentinian place in South Kensington, El Gaucho. But you have to love steak....in fact you probably have to love Steak more than your love your other half! Not the place if you are vegetarian I suspect.

Sorry, feel free to replace with any of the following;

offload the offspring
abandon the burden
surrender the spawn

My son is the happiest thing in my life, but I'm quite happy to admit that leaving him with his aunt for the night fills me with giddy joy.

His mother and I get very few nights off together.

I can't help with the food bit but I usually go for "get rid of the kids" myself. To be brutally honest I don't feel one bit remorseful about using such such terminology however I do always go back and pick them up the next day. Actions speak louder than words and all that.

Ditto regarding time to ourselves although it is steadily changing as they get older.

Modern day to day living certainly has changed regarding child care, perhaps my story along with others on here is far from the norm, certainly not being over sensitive, I still think the choice of words does in some ways sums things up to a certain degree, meant or not, just my thoughts.

Having a one year old and having had our first 'night off' last Friday I understand where you're coming from Ali! I may have used slightly unflattering words myself, whilst admitting that the little shambles is a joy that I love beyond words!

As for eateries... Le Pont De La Tour by Tower Brudge is very nice (especially if you get a table with a view of the bridge), or you could try Hakkasan (the one in North London, not Mayfair). Probably bit out of the price range you said but seriously good nosh

Have a look at Andrew Edmunds on Lexington Street. Its a bit of a Soho institution. Small, dark, candlelit, and they don't take bookings beyond a week in advance. And its on budget.

The best tables are ones on the ground floor but they're for four, downstairs the best one is Table 26 (i think) that is sited half in a little alcove in the corner. I've not been for a while but I doubt much has changed.

The The Chop HouseRestaurant near London Bridge is very good. Been a few times and great view over the Thames.

Also Toms Kitchen at Somerset house gets good reviews from my friends, but not been there myself.

Agree with MRS that Trip Adviser is a good search source.

I can recommend the home of 'First Dates'

http://www.paternosterchophouse.co.uk/ and good steak house right by St Pauls

or a good london pub Chain this one is right on the Thames by The Golden Hinde

http://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/london/theoldthamesideinnlondonbridge