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Where the political elite go for dinner and spicy gossip
Amar Singh02.12.08
From a cheap-and-cheerful curry house adored by the Lib-Dems to a "1970s-style" Italian restaurant that has become a Tory stronghold, the favoured establishments of London's politicos are revealed today.
The list of the top 10 political restaurants has been compiled for the latest issue of GQ magazine.
The magazine names the locations where the real political agenda is forged between courses - and usually several bottles of wine. Three out of the 10 restaurants on the list are curry houses, confirming our politicians' long-standing love of spicy food.
Kennington Tandoori has been a favoured haunt of some of Westminster's biggest players over the years - including Ken Clarke, Charles Kennedy, Ann Widdecombe and John Prescott, who feature in photos in the restaurant's window.
It also holds the distinction of supplying "the meal Gordon Brown ate the night before he moved in to No 10".
Another favourite Indian venue is the Top Curry Centre in Pimlico, which is popular with all politicians who live in the vicinity.
But it is more specifically a favourite of the Lib-Dems, including Lembit Opik - who holds an informal weekly curry night there with his party colleagues. Westminster's most upmarket Indian restaurant, The Cinnamon Club, is a top location where journalists lunch with politicians.
For MPs and journalists with a hefty expense allowance, Quirinale on Great Peter Street is a favourite.
The latest incarnation of the restaurant - in a building next to the Institute of Economic Affairs - is used by 45 per cent Conservative, 40 per cent Labour and 15 per cent others. It "serves modern Italian cuisine and is on the expensive side, enabling those politicians being entertained by journalists to feel all the more valued and important".
The Gay Hussar is named as the most Labour-friendly and is populated by the likes of David Blunkett and Alastair Campbell. It was also in this Hungarian restaurant in Soho that Tony Blair was persuaded to run for Parliament in 1982. Some brave Tories have been spotted inside, including Michael Portillo and Ed Vaizey.
For "true blues", Gran Paradiso on Wilton Road is a Tory bastion. The restaurant serves Seventies-style dishes and was a favourite of John Major.
