Dining with the Stars – Nick Rhodes from Duran Duran

Duran Duran – one of the biggest bands of the eighties were the personification of excess with their rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle –  the girls, the cars, the make-up! With their legions of still loyal fans and rumours of a studio album (DD14?) to be launched this year, the remaining members, Nick, John, Simon and Roger have enjoyed a three decade long career. Keyboardist, Nick Rhodes has lived in London for almost thirty years , now residing in Chelsea. Nick says “London during the eighties was terrific and wild but there were very few great places to eat back then. Now London is the restaurant capital of Europe and with so many restaurants on my doorstep I eat out a lot. Being primarily vegetarian I enjoy a lot of  Italian, Lebanese and Indian Food.”

Here then are Nick’s top five London restaurants:

1. Locanda Locatelli, Marble Arch

According to Rhodes ‘Faultless’, Georgio Locatelli’s eponymous restaurant is catching headlines right now as much for its vibrant 20-metre  window box as for its fabulous food. Favoured by that other eighties icon, Madonna, food forward Londoners have been enjoying mouthwatering cuisine in the slouchy banqettes here since it opened in 2002. For more details go to www.locandalocatelli.com

2. Scotts, Mayfair

So hip it hurts, since reopening in 2007 Scott’s has become the preferred celebrity hangout, and continues to impress the most hard hearted restaurant critics. Since 1851 it has been one of London’s most glamorous meeting places for film stars, politicians and writers, and was Ian Fleming’s favourite restaurant – reportedly where he discovered the legendary dry martini – shaken not stirred. The opulent interiors and central three meter long crustacean display needs to be seen to be believed, and the British menu and fresh seafood continue to delight.  For more details click here.

3.  Launceston Place, Kensington

This Kensington institution, tucked away in a quiet residential street, has recently undergone a lavish renovation to create a very stylish and sophisticated space, with up and coming artists on the walls and muted colour schemes. Serving innovative British food – traditional dishes with a twist, creating a true destination restaurant, but the atmosphere remains welcoming and friendly. Sunday roast is a real highlight. For more details click here.

4. The Delaunay, Aldwych

This is the massively popular sister restaurant to the Wolseley and Corbert.  Delaunay is full of smart city folk and famous faces.  Exuding inter-war establishment luxury, it serves central European fayre in a grand brasserie winning-formula style. Vibrant, spacious and yet reasonably priced it also boasts a service that makes you feel as special as any of its famous guests.  For more details click here.

5. The Wolseley, Piccadilly

The Wolseley is a cafe- restaurant in the grand European tradition, situated in the Grade II listed building at 160 Piccadilly.  Situated in a Grade II listed building originally designed in 1921 as the prestigious Wolseley Motor Car showroom, the dining room still houses the original grand pillars, arches and stairways of Venetian and Florentine influence.  The Wolseley as it stands today was opened in 2003 in the capable hands of Chris Corbin and Jeremy King of Le Caprice and The Ivy fame.  The food is inspired by Europe’s great brasseries and offers expected classic dishes in stunning surroundings. For more details click here.

This list was first published in the Telegraph Magazine 18th August 2012.

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