Making the most of salon - eating out

There is only one place to be over the weekend of 13-15 October - ExCel London for the three-day event that is Salon International. With the Hair Show, Salon Live Shows, Salon Seminars, and Salon Business Extra - not to mention all the fun of Trend Vision, the Alternative Hair Show and the Goldwell Rockmantic Party - there won't be a dull moment. But if you're taking time out from the exhibition or have some free time, there's no excuse for failing to the most of London and all the its multi-cultural delights. As we countdown to the big weekend, we'll have suggestions for how you can get the most out of the capital. We've already suggested the best places for shopping and next in the series are the best places for a bite to eat.

Exclusive Eateries

London is home to some of the world's most famous and acclaimed restaurants. Booking in advance is a must and you'll also want to keep your eyes peeled to spot the celebrities. The restaurant: Sketch 9 Conduit Street, London W1S 2XG Tel: 0870 777 4488 Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus (Victoria, Bakerloo and Central lines) Style: A mecca of food, art and music, masterminded by French chef Pierre Gagnaire. The man who earned three Michelin stars in Paris brings together four dining areas, including all-day chic dining in the parlour; simple and healthy dishes in the glade; and the luxurious in the lecture room and library. Sample fare is pan-fried bavette of beef, paillasson potatoes and butter with red wine, and pan-fried fillet of red mullet, Irish mussels and creamed curry sauce. The toilets resemble a scene from Hollywood horror Alien as they are housed within giant eggs. It has to be seen to be believed. Why go? It’s a must-see. The restaurant: Busaba Eathai 106-110 Wardour Street, London W1F 0TR. Tel: 020 7255 8686 Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus (Victoria, Bakerloo and Central lines) or Tottenham Court Road (Northern and Central lines) Style: This is about as authentic as Thai food gets without flying to Bangkok. Diners tuck into succulent dishes such as monkfish green curry and caramelised prawns in betel leaves on large shared wooden benches. The mains start at a very reasonable £6 and service is swift. Why go? It’s cheap, cheerful and quick. The restaurant: Fifteen Westland Place, London, N1 7LP Tel: 020 7251 1515 Nearest Tube: Old Street (Northern line) Style: This is Jamie Oliver’s social and charitable enterprise that combines a top class restaurant with professional training for disadvantaged youngsters. Fifteen is run on two levels with the Trattoria offering Italian classics. Downstairs is a retro dining room serving Mediterranean lunchtime fare, including chargrilled leg of Welsh lamb from Elwy Valley with aubergine funghetto, spinach and marjoram salmoriglio. Mains range from £10-£23. Pukka. Why go? It’s a must-visit. The restaurant: The Ivy 1-5 West St, London WC2H 9NQ Tel: 020 7836 4751 Nearest Tube: Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) Style: Could this be London’s most popular eatery? This shabby chic restaurant is famous for its celebrity clientele and serves a range of simple to grand modern British dishes at a reasonable price. Although fully accessible to Joe Bloggs, The Ivy’s waiting list for lunch/dinner is months long, so unless you have a famous friend to pull some strings, the best time to visit is pre or post theatre. Why go? The chance to bag a famous NBF (new bestfriend). The restaurant: The Mirabelle 56 Curzon Street, London W1J 8PA Tel: 020 7499 4636 Nearest Tube: Green Park (Victoria, Piccadilly and Jubilee lines) Style: It’s all crisp, white linen at this Francophile restaurant from the man who inspired many of today’s top chefs. Hell’s Kitchen’s Marco Pierre White is the youngest Briton to gain all three Michelin stars. His Mayfair eatery is packed with French classics, including roast duck a l’orange and prune and Armagnac soufflé. Bon appetite. Why go? To see the Hell’s Kitchen star’s quarters up close. The restaurant: Restaurant Gordon Ramsay 68 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HP Tel: 020 7352 4441 Nearest Tube: Slone Square (District and Circle lines) Style: Honoured with three Michelin stars, Gordon Ramsay’s self-titled eatery brings an intimate ambience with tip-top service and contemporary elegance. The menu offers exquisitely simple French cuisine with subtle flavours and creative flair with a sample set lunch for a bargain £40. Fine dining at an affordable price… done! Why go? It’s Gordon Ramsay. Need we say more?

Our Best Of The Rest

The Restaurant: Bistrotheque 23-27 Wadeson Street, London, E2 9DR Tel: 020 8983 7900 Style: The plain white walls and the concrete floor of the main dining room are contrasted by the marble top tables and baby grand piano that resident pianist tinkles away on each Sunday brunch-time. Why go? Pancakes for brunch. Just perfect! The Restaurant: The Oxo Tower Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank, London, SE1 9PH Tel: 020 7803 3888 Nearest Tube: Southwark (Jubilee line) Style: Classic Mediterranean food infused with pan-Asian ingredients served in a stylish, glass fronted tower that overlooks the South Bank. The wine list deserves a special mention. Why go? The views out over the river Thames and St Paul's The Restaurant: Gilgamesh Bar and Restaurant The Stables Camden Market, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8AH, Tel: 020 7482 5757 <strong<nearest Tube: Camden Town, Chalk Farm (both Northern line) Style: Pan Asian Cuisine from sushi to dim sum served in a decadent far-east inspired dining room. If you have time to kill check out the trendy bar for a tasty aperitif. Why go? If you decide to check out Camden’s eclectic markets or go star spotting in Primrose Hill, then it would be a crime to miss the dim sum lunch. The Restaurant: Scalinis 1-3 Walton Street, London, SW3 2JD Tel: 0871 3327941. Nearest Tube: South Kensington (Circle, District and Picadilly lines) Style: High class Italian food. Make sure you're hungry because your plate will be piled high and you want want to miss a mouthful. Why go? The large and delicious portions at not so large prices The Restaurant: Hakkasan 8 Hanway Place, London, W1T 1HF Tel: 020 7927 7000 Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern lines) Style: A devilshly glamorous Chinese restuarant set in a central London basement. Hakkasan was awarded a Michelin Star back in 2003 and the delicious cuisine justifies the somewhat hefty price tag. Why go? The dessert menu. Often a turn-off in oriental restaurants, Hakkasan have got it spot on!

Keep Your Options Open

The venue: St Christopher’s Place London, W1 Nearest Tube: Bond Street (Jubilee and Central lines) Why go? Tucked away in the back streets by Selfridges, It’s the ideal place to break from the shopping. Choose from fast food to tapas, sushi, old English pub grub or anything you fancy. The venue: The South Bank London, SE1 Nearest Tube: Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo and Jubilee lines) Why go? Whether you want to grab a sandwich on the go or what a full-on dining experience, The South Bank has an eclectic mix of eateries to suit any budget and any palate. The venue: West India Quay Docklands London, E14 4AL Nearest Tube: West India Quay (DLR) Why go? Because you don't want to tear yourself away from the hustle and bustle of Salon for too long but you do want plenty of eating options to choose from.

Useful Links

• <strong Transport
• Getting about by bus
• Travelling by tube
• Walking to your destination

• Offers and Discounts
• http://www.toptable.co.uk
• http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/specials

• Venue Reviews
• http://www.viewlondon.co.uk
• http://www.london-eating.co.uk
• http://www.squaremeal.co.uk