Wahaca*

Lucky girl that I am, I spent Sat night in Wahaca, Covent Garden eating 'Mexican Street food'. A noisy and colourful experience - just like a street market should be.

Walking in, downstairs into the bustling bar, you get a real sense of excitement. My first thought was - 'where's the tequila!'

I hear it on good source that the interiors were constructed using recycled materials [gold star']. The 'colour' comes from the green and blue glass panels and the acoustics, which make for a lively evening.

The informal benches, wood panelling on the walls and displays of Mexican food produce make the street market experience that little bit more real, but then the warehouse style lighting and dance music bring it squarely into 21st London town.

This is a happy place to eat.

Cha Cha Moon, W2

I met Knowlesy last night for west London noodles. While the noodles were average the interiors at the new Cha Cha Moon were amazing. The designers said they wanted to create a 'rich space with very simple materials'. And that's what we get. As diners you are hugged by 6cm diameter bamboo rods that undulate the length of the restaurant roof, creating a warm environment. Diners sit on separate benches, positioned close together - communal dining but in smaller groups. Milled bamboo tables continue the oriental theme, along with mirrored surfaces that add a welcome touch of glamour. We sat on black metal benches which look great - but were less than comfy after two hours.

At one end was the open plan kitchen and at the other, a sleek well-maned bar serving welcome ginger, carrot, rose water and apple juices. With benches, bamboo ceiling rods and stripey lino flooring all running the length of the room, the interior seems to stretch on forever. The real surprise were the toilets - fabric textured doors and walls, infinity sink and cute neon signs designed by North. An unexpected flash of glamour in what is essentially a fast noodle joint. The food ain't much to shout about but I've been talking about the interiors all day.

Taxidermy & Les Trois Garcons*

For our 10-year anniversary I don't think my lovely man expected to be transported to a bistro in the French Baroque style, eating tasty food under cloudburst chandeliers next to draped curtains to the crooning of Edith Piaf. And of course, we had an aviary of stuffed birds and a stuffed tiger for company... I honestly cannot imagine a more magical and theatrical interior in which to eat my din dins. Even the taxidermy had diamentes draped over them. I know that taxidermy isn't everyones thing, but it's making a big interiors comeback. Designers such as Sebastian Errazuriza and Alex Randall are taking an interiors lead from Les Trois Garcons with their mysterious stuffed animal creations. The duck lamp by Sebastian Errazuriza certainly makes a change from an Ikea print in a blond frame! And I love the softness and naturalness of the pidgeon against the industrial light cord on Alex Randall's pigeon light. The feel maybe slightly gothic, even morbid, but they add a touch of beauty and orginality to a room and take the recycling ethos to the extreme! Look at Jericho Hands for inspiration - even if the website is a bit cluncky.