Dicciannove at the entrance of the Crown Plaza is literally a stones throw from Blackfriars tube station. They have a nice little Deli at the entrance with some imported Italian produce and they can do hampers if you fancy taking an Italian inspired Hamper out into London for a picnic.

I had heard head chef Alessandro (who is Italian = a good sign) mention in an interview that one of the specialties of the house were the meats and cheeses that were brought over from Italy, so we started with 'La Grande' an Antipasto selection along with the Italian bread selection with olive oil and balsamic.

It was all very tasty and certainly filling so I followed it up with a nice light main of swordfish served with cherry tomatoes and rocket. My dining partner foolhardily went for another bread-based dish of pizza. Unsurprisingly he struggled to finish it and regretted not choosing a pasta dish which again is a specialty of the house being freshly made daily.