Peacock London

You're walking along the South Bank and suddenly the river opens up in front of you: this is where Peacock sits, occupying a prime slice of County Hall with floor-to-ceiling windows that catch the light bouncing off the water. It's the kind of spot that could easily trade on views alone, but they've actually bothered to get the food right. The dim sum trolleys roll past regularly, and their Peking duck arrives glossy and properly rendered, served with those thin pancakes that don't fall apart. It's got that refined energy without feeling stuffy—plenty of families and groups here alongside couples looking to impress.