James Thompson’s guide to the best places to eat

Living the lifestyle

I’m originally from Sydney but have lived in London and travelled extensively with my work. Instagram has given me an amazing opportunity to share everything from street food to Michelin-starred dining around the world. Creating the #DCmoments Food Guides was a wonderful chance to try new places and I’m confident that everyone will discover somewhere to suit them from the wide selection of restaurants, cafés and coffee shops that I’ve included.

Real recommendations

There’s an incredible culinary scene out there but it’s still not easy to find the best places to eat so I believe guides like this are invaluable. We only feature places I’ve genuinely eaten at and they all have to be exceptional in some way to earn a place in the guides.

Lasting impressions

I was delighted to sample 45 Park Lane’s Negroni trolley, where they make the classic cocktail to your liking. My drink of choice has always been a Negroni and I have to report it was truly delicious. If I’m pushed to pick just one place that left a lasting impression it would be the first restaurant we visited for the Paris guide and that’s Arpège. It’s a restaurant that’s notoriously difficult to get into as it’s considered one of the best restaurants in the world. The food was outstanding and we even got a tour of the kitchens where many famous chefs have worked. Another experience I’ll never forget is waking up to breakfast at Hotel Eden in Rome and having a magnificent view of the city as I dined – what a way to start the day!

Amazing hospitality

Getting to stay at all of Dorchester Collection’s hotels was a wonderful experience. Going to The Beverly Hills Hotel was like a dream come true and Hotel Eden in Rome was a real favourite too. I knew Hôtel Plaza Athénée very well via Instagram but to take my own photos there against a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower was a real ‘pinch myself’ moment. All of the hotels are breathtaking in their own right with plenty of photo opportunities.