Serving gourmet burgers that’ll make your jaw ache just wrapping your teeth around them, and battered haddock with chips that all delightfully crunch and melt in your mouth, The Windsor Castle, in between two of London’s beautiful parks – Holland and Kensington Gardens – is perfectly situated, and provides an experience that’s hard to beat.

People love coming back to this place for its quirks and charm. Inside, there a several little nooks and crannies in which you can sit, all separated by tiny wooden doors. The dark, wood panelled walls give the place an ever-so-slightly feel of claustrophobia but the fact that you can dine and chat in relative secrecy overwhelms everything else. Elsewhere, there are bare brick fireplaces and all sorts of copper accessories lining various surfaces, and the dark-coloured red and plum cushions add a touch of class and appeal.

Emerging into the garden – via the bar with its armoury of draught ciders (more than the usual amount you’d find elsewhere) and real ales with guest ales that are always rotating – is a real treat because it’s noted for being one of London’s lesser-known. It’s surprising, really, because it’s so beautiful. It reflects the rest of the Kensington scene with plenty of arrangements of colourful potted flowers, crooked old flagstones and a length of sheltered dining tables with heaters – perfect for al fresco dining.

Opening times: Monday – Saturday: 12:00 – 23:00, Sunday: 12:00 – 22:30