Magic Moments - Borough - by Frankie Says

There’s a refreshing lack of formality at Trivet, both in the look of the room and in the style of the service, but that’s not to say this isn’t a very professionally run operation. The chefs in the open kitchen craft imaginative, fuss-free dishes using prime seasonal ingredients, where the combinations are balanced and flavours assured. Try dishes like ‘Pigeon and persimmon’ or the imaginatively titled ‘Turkish breakfast’ dessert, and you’ll see a kitchen full of imagination and ability. Wine plays an integral role, with personable service and a thoughtfully curated list championing lesser-kn

All is calmness and tranquillity once you step inside this cool, understated room in pastel shades – you’ll find yourself instantly forgetting all the bustle outside. The Korean husband-and-wife team combine skills learnt in Europe’s top kitchens with techniques and flavours from their homeland. Highlights of the imaginative and impeccably executed set menu may include a clever re-working of tarte Tatin with daikon; courgette flower stuffed with crab and dubu; a generous dish of succulent pork with wild garlic; and a delicious ssuk pain perdu to finish.

Story is a restaurant that continues to evolve rather than merely reinvent itself and its latest chapter saw the addition of a second storey which hosts a handsome private dining room. In the bright, open main restaurant, Tom Sellers’ talented kitchen team serve a surprise set menu, where luxurious ingredients – from langoustines to turbot – make up dishes that are as succulent as they are visually arresting; you can also expect updated versions of his signature constructions. The charming service team ensure the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming.

The cuisine of southern Thailand provides the inspiration for this bustling restaurant in the equally bustling Borough Market. It’s an extremely popular place and rightly so, with attractive pricing, efficient service and downright delicious cooking. The menu lends itself to sharing and each dish is packed with flavour, including the terrific grilled mussel skewers and some lip-tingling curries. If you can’t decide, opt for the set menu to share – which is also available in a vegan form.

When your restaurant is on the 60th floor, thus becoming the tallest in Europe, it makes complete sense that the 12-seater counter faces the window and the stunning view over the city, rather than the chefs in their open kitchen. Gordon Ramsay’s exclusive little sky dining restaurant offers a surprise tasting menu, built around ingredients from the top drawer. Highlight dishes could include 14-day aged duck with celeriac and Alsace bacon, and lobster with pumpkin and pine. Everyone is served together so be punctual – and allow a little extra time for security checks on the ground floor.

Located on the edge of Borough Market, underneath its sister restaurant OMA, is this simple yet brilliantly effective ‘souvla bar’. Skewers are at the core of the menu – like the excellent slow-roast pork souvlaki – but it would be foolish to overlook the wonderful range of dips and beautifully puffed flatbreads served straight from the oven. It’s stripped-back cooking done with great skill, resulting in dishes so satisfying you’ll want to order them twice. They're deservedly busy, so make sure you snap up one of the limited bookings or get here for midday when they open.

It's not hard to see why this perennially popular pasta spot is so busy. The chefs make their pasta fresh every morning ready for a new wave of hungry customers to enjoy, then cook it with admirable precision and add a range of mouth-watering accompaniments – whether that be cavolo nero with the the cavatelli or regional specialities like a delicious Tuscan gorgonzola sauce with stacci. Don't forget the equally impressive tarts for dessert, too. Arrive in plenty of time to scan the QR code and join the virtual queue, then have a wander round the neighbouring Borough Market.