Circus - Covent Garden, London

The creators of Circus need to take a bow. In the heart of Theatreland, they've crafted one of the most dramatic dining destinations in London and perhaps Britain in general. Their innovative approach fuses a cabaret restaurant with a West End cocktail bar to create a decadent and louche atmosphere worthy of fin de siècle Paris. 

Loosen up with impeccable libations from their seasoned bar staff that blend classic cocktails with Asian influence. Case in point: The Hesper Martini which spikes the traditional gin martini with St Germain and sake. This is a great opportunity to revel in the luxury of Tom Dixon's design, which features space age orbs and baubles evocative of high-spec Star Trek film sets, a communal table-cum-dancefloor and a sublime soundsystem to ensure that the evening lasts long and carries on strong.

The open-plan kitchen relaunched in 2011, opting to take their inspiration from the Orient over the American South - look out for delicious delicacies like beef and foie gras gyoza with edamame and teriyaki sauce, soft shell crab tempura with green chilli aioli and orange ponzu or Josper grilled red pepper lamb chops with chilli and honey. 

This is made all the more appetising by the performers. Burlesque dancers perform tongue-in-cheek routines on the main banquet table, literally jumping through hoops to keep you entertained, while gymnasts perform amazing feats, fire swallowing ballerinas erupt, easy-on-the-eyes aerialists perform on the trapeze in tandem. For the final act, the tables are cleared away and dancing pervades the floor. This is a show that you won't want to miss!