Fancy a change from the county scene and want to treat yourself to a dining experience in the Capital? There are so many wonderful eateries to choose from, but where the devil do you start?

Why not try the deVille - the stylish new restaurant at the Mandeville Hotel, just a hop and a skip from Bond Street and Oxford Street?

Styled by renowned interior designer, Stephen Ryan, the deVille is the place for those wishing to dine on the best in modern British cuisine in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere.

The dining room décor is Phantom of the Opera-meets-contemporary living, with funky damask-style wallpaper, punctuated by theatrical clear perspex-framed paintings, orchids and Venetian mask wall lights. Silver, brown and white are the key colours.

We visited on a cold December evening and received a warm welcome from the maitre d'. Settled in a snug corner, we sipped aperitifs while choosing from the menu.

We began with white and green asparagus - the best white I have tasted since gorging at an asparagus festival in Strasbourg a few years ago - and tagliatelle with crab, rocket, and parmesan. Both were delicious.

We followed with fillet steak, which was perfectly cooked rare, as ordered, and a trio of lamb, comprising medallions, a chop and a galette, served with wine jus, garlic mash and fresh veg.

The mains were washed down with a bottle of light, fruity, red Bardolino, as we enjoyed the ambience, with lively chatter coming from other guests, all having an equally good time.

We almost declined dessert, but decided to share a panacotta, delicately flavoured with lavender, and berry jus.

Good coffee followed, and, as we were staying overnight at the Mandeville, we decided to go for a walkabout to let things settle, and do a spot of window shopping, to save time the following morning.

If you cannot get to the deVille for dinner, why not treat yourself to the fabulous new afternoon tea, to recharge the batteries after all that shopping?

It offers home-made scones, deep-filled sandwiches and designer cupcakes, accompanied by an extensive selection of teas or Champagnes, from £22.50.

The pink tea with a glass of pink champagne, or a honeysuckle cocktail would hit the spot! Afternoon tea is available Monday to Saturday, from 3pm-5.30pm, and booking is advisable.

The four-star Mandeville has 142 sophisticated designer rooms with prices from £275 a night for a superior double/twin, rising to £650 a night for the stunning penthouse. Breakfast is extra.