Name: Claire Cyzer.

Venue: The Atrium.

Location: Westminster.

Signature dish: Coriander, lime and cheddar crusted cod with peas, asparagus, shallots, capers and garlic.

What has been the most unusual event you have hosted?

We often cater for key political figures. 

How have trends in London dining changed in the last year?

Faddy diets such as Atkins have resulted in different demands made by clients. 

Will 2006 see any changes to your private dining facilities?
Our venue will benefit from a visual make-over to maintain the highest quality.

Name: Shah Choudhury
Venue: Nakhon Thai Restaurant

Location: We have a restaurant at the Waterfront Studios, E16 as well as one in Copthall Avenue EC2.

Signature dish: Lobster Pad-Phong Kari (Rich yellow creamy coconut curry in Thai herb with Lobster).

What has been the most unusual event you have hosted? We have hosted a broad range of events at both restaurants, but we have received a couple of bookings for 2006 that will be lots of fun... watch this space!
How have trends in London dining changed in the last year? People are more educated about the quailty and the authenticity of their food. This is good news for us as we pride ourselves in preparing authentic menus with the highest quality ingredients.
Will 2006 see any changes to your private dining facilities?
Our aim this year is to cater for the individual themes requested by our clients hosting larger functions.

Name: Vips Larson.
Venue: The Crescent Restaurant at the Montcalm Hotel Nikko.

Location: Marble Arch

Signature dish: Char-grilled beef fillet on a wild mushroom and black truffle ragout. 

What has been the most unusual event you have hosted?

The restaurant has become very popular with members of professional Jockey Clubs who hold their events with us. No two events are the same but they are always lively and enjoyed by all who attend!  

How have trends in London dining changed in the last year?

Clients have become noticeably more health conscious but the menu at The Crescent is always able to meet the needs of any requirement requested by customers. 

Will 2006 see any changes to your private dining facilities?

A refurbishment is planned, and there is always discussion of how we can remain at the front of the game as a leading London venue.

Name: Gregg Hone
Venue: Elena's L'Etoile

Location: Fitzrovia

Signature dish: Confit D'Agneau Sauce aux Capres
(confit of lamb with spring onion mash and caper sauce).

What has been the most unusual event you have hosted?
British winner of an Oscar award in the Oscar Room - not unusual but certainly the most exciting!

How have trends in London dining changed in the last year?

People have become more health conscious and fewer of our customers smoke. Clients seem to have a greater product knowledge and are interested in the origins of our ingredients and wines.
Will 2006 see any changes to your private dining facilities?
We will be having a refurbishment in the early part of the year. This will not alter the classic French salon style but will make the venue more glamourous.

Name: Antonia McGathan.

Venue: Barcelona Tapas Bar y Restaurante

Location: We have restaurants across London in E1, EC4, SE22 and two in EC3.

Signature dish: Albondigas ala Barelonesa (beef meatballs in a special rich sauce).

What has been the most unusual event you have hosted? Channel 4's 'Chained'. A reality TV programme where six people are manacled together day and night and followed by cameras. A first for us... we don't usually have to manacle our diners!

How have trends in London dining changed in the last year? Sharing plates have become more popular. It is a much more informal and relaxed way to share a meal with friends.

Will 2006 see any changes to your private dining facilities? We are constantly updating and improving our facilities. This summer we will be celebrating 15 years in the business and plan to host a birthday celebration for all of our Barcelona Tapas Club members.

Name: Gizane Campos.

Venue: Benares Restaurant.

Location: Berkeley Square W1.

Signature dish: Lobster Ke Pung.

What has been the most unusual event you have hosted?  Arena Magazine Party was quite unforgettable!

How have trends in London dining changed in the last year? In the last year the public have been educated through media interest in food. It has become more fashionable for people to have a broad knowlege of fine dining.

Will 2006 see any changes to your private dining facilities? Definitely, in 2006 we will be offering a more exclusive and personalised service for any type of event taking place at the restaurant.

Name: Sherin Alexander.
Venue: La Porte des Indes .

Location: Marble Arch.

Signature dish: Parsee Fish / Crab Malabar / Poulet Rouge

What has been the most unusual event you have hosted? A client requested that our restaurant be covered in garlands of red roses and jasmine throughout for their wedding. We had to import 500 kilos of fresh flowers that we had flown over from Thailand. The result, I have to say, was absolutely stunning both visually and aromatically! 

How have trends in London dining changed in the last year?

Website bookings seem to have really taken off, making the industry more competitive on every front.
Will 2006 see any changes to your private dining facilities?
La Porte des Indes is so versatile that I doubt we'll need to make any changes this year. We can cater for a private dinner for 10 people all the way up to a reception for 1000, with a whole range of different options in between.

Name: Sue Wilson. 
Venue: The Boardroom Bar.

Location: Wormwood St EC2.

Signature dish: We cater for the busy business customer by turning around two courses of freshly prepared food in one hour. Our Beer Battered Fish and Chips is a firm favourite!

What has been the most unusual event you have hosted? Australia Day party for expat Australians - kangaroos and all!
How have trends in London dining changed in the last year? Due to office pressures, people have less time to eat out at lunchtime during the week. Work restrictions have also put a stop to a lot of lunchtime drinking! 
Will 2006 see any changes to your private dining facilities?
With the extention of the licensing laws, we hope to attract private dinners for 20 or more in the evening. We are also offering private breakfast seminar facilities, accompanied by a refreshing glass of Bucks Fizz!

Name: Fiona Hering.
Venue: Veeraswamy.

Location: Regent Street.

Signature dish: Raj Kachori, Chicken Chatpatta, Lobster Curry.

What has been the most unusual event you have hosted? A lavish dinner for Princess Anne!
How have trends in London dining changed in the last year? Indian food has really taken off and many venues are being respected as fine dining restaurants with the likes of Amaya (sister restaurant of Veeraswamy)  which was recently awarded a Michelin Star.
Will 2006 see any changes to your private dining facilities?
We have just opened a spectacular private dining room which seats up to 24.

Name: Sherrie Looi.   
Venue: SuperStar ExCeL.

Location: Royal Victoria Dock, Excel.

Signature dish: Ginger and Spring Onion Lobster.     

What has been the most unusual event you have hosted? We regularly host wedding receptions and banquets, the most unusual being a banquet with a karaoke contest!
How have trends in London dining changed in the last year? Customers require true authenticity as they become increasingly knowledgeable about general cuisine.
Will 2006 see any changes to your private dining facilities? Being a relatively new restaurant, SuperStar ExCeL continues to strive to accommodate for all events, tailoring specifically to organisers' requirements.