THE FACTS ABOUT LE COQ D'ARGENT

Conran stormed the City with a restaurant, bar, terrace and formal garden on the rooftop of a building designed by Sir James Stirling and Michael Wilford (after a scheme by Mies van der Rohe was rejected). The exterior office spaces offer an almost circular view of the Square Mile and beyond; despite the braying of commodity dealers and their ilk, the terrace and garden are an exciting place to be. High prices and a commitment to turning tables may take the shine off lunch or dinner, but Le Coq's menu is gratifyingly straightforward, unlike Conran's second stab at grand city-dining, Aurora, in the Great Eastern Hotel next to Liverpool Street Station. CONTACT 1 Poultry, EC3 (020 7395 5000).