The Botanist, Sloane Square

Watch the Chelsea crowd strut by at this laidback restaurant

There can be no better spot to have a gossip with a friend, sip on champagne and watch the designer-heeled Chelsea set do their thing than on this particular corner of Sloane Square in Chelsea.

The Botanist has been keeping the residents of West London well fed for several years now, I myself am a regular there, but all of a sudden it seems to have upped its game.

The menu is a treat to read and, after much umming and ahhing, I opted for the beetroat and goat's curd salad followed by half a lobster dripping in a garlic butter and served with thick chips. Heaven. My date for this particular summer's evening (the Chelsea crowd look even more attractive with a set of statement shades on, FYI) went to town on an overflowing pot of mussels and a succulent steak.

All this was very pleasing but the pièce de résistance came in the form of an eye-popping knickerbocker glory. Being a sucker for all things retro this made my night - and, no, I didn't share.

This purse-friendly slice of Chelsea is well worth a visit so if you want to get in on the people watching action head down next week, when from Wednesday 22 May The Botanist will be setting up an Oyster and Joseph Perrier Champagne pop-up bar in the Square, complete with daily performances from a string quartet.

For more information visit The Botanist website.