Descend down a spiral staircase into a sheek, subterranean restaurant that is as contemporary and cool as the One Aldwych hotel it belongs to. Around the crisp white tablecloths and the black chairs, the walls are decorated with dramatic, abstract images. Axis serves compact, well-presented and thoughtful 'Modern British' food, expertly cooked and seasoned. For example, the la carte main courses, which ranges from about £15 to £22, include a poached egg nestling on a fillet of haddock mounted on a round bed of mashed potatoes and leeks, providing a appealing mix of flavours. Delicious, but it won't fill you up. The coffees are also excellent and served with exquisite petite fours, such as a tiny, but intense lemon meringue pie. Service is slick and professional and Axis is a good choice for an expensive evening meal, but at lunchtime on a sunny day you might prefer somewhere with natural light. 7/10
