It's hard to remember the time when London hadn't caught up with its continental cousins and diners were kept strictly within the confines of restaurant walls, peering out through an open window to gaze longingly at any rare rays of sunshine. Now we're al fresco crazy and if a restaurant doesn't have outdoor seating it's considered a little trad.

Of course you've got places like Carluccio's in Market Place and numerous wine bars that are always heaving with skiving sunseekers (and smokers) but what about spots that are a little less obvious, where you feel like you've stumbled across a little outdoor oasis and the chink-chink of cutlery and glasses isn't matched by the drone of traffic or nearby boozers.

At new club Maddox we were pleasantly surprised to find that not only is the food exceptional (the chef has a way with seabass and octopus and artichoke salad) but also that, when the weather's fine, the doors are flung open and tables are made available under the covered terrace to allow this secret nook of Mayfair to be enjoyed to the fullest.

Another newcomer to head to before everyone discovers it is Crescent House which not only has a nice airy feel at the front but also boasts a hidden garden at the back in which revellers can enjoy potted shrimps and a nice pink pinot.