Fred from 'First Dates' on his favourite London restaurants
"First Dates" (the Channel 4 show in which couples visit a restaurant for a blind date under the scrutiny of TV cameras) recently beat big-hitters "I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!" and "Gogglebox" to win a BAFTA award.
If you've seen it, you'll be familiar with Fred Sirieix, the silver-tongued maître d’ at the helm of the restaurant. When he's not playing cupid on TV, he manages the Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows in Mayfair. We caught up with him to find out which London restaurants he recommends for the perfect date.
Le Gavroche, Mayfair
"There is only one Gavroche. Personally, I give it 10/10. When you walk in, you are transported to another world where time does not exist. It is just you and your dining companion and nothing else. Pure bliss!"
El Pirata, Mayfair
"Quite simply, one of my favourite restaurants and the perfect place for a friendly and relaxed first date. Consistently very good food, great value for money and top service. The team at El Pirata are so friendly and accommodating and nothing is too much for them. My favourite dishes are the Iberico ham, black rice with squid, octopus with paprika, monkfish and the langoustines."
Deal alert! You and a friend can get a tapas lunch for £29 (or dinner for £39) with this Travelzoo offer.
Galvin at Windows, Park Lane
"I know I may sound a little biased, but if you really want to impress your date, it's hard to beat Galvin at Windows, the place I've been running for the past 10 years. The view from the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane is just spectacular - not many places allow you to look into Her Majesty the Queen's back garden! Plus, our head chef Joo Won cooks Michelin-star food with the finest and most delicious ingredients. I do really love it up here!"
Deal alert! You and your date can now take in some of London's most iconic sights over canapés and cocktails at Galvin at Windows, with this Travelzoo offer.
José Pizarro, Broadgate
"This restaurant from the 'King of Spanish' chefs, José Pizarro, is just brilliant: great food, great service, great décor and atmosphere. And the G&Ts are a must-try - they will definitely help you to break the ice!"
Duck & Rice, Soho
"For a more adventurous foodie date, I love the Duck & Rice. The Chinese food is classic but done with a modern twist, and the atmosphere and the setting are spectacular. What a gem!"
For more inspiration on where to take your date, check out these London restaurant deals