Snuggle up in our top 10 cosy corners

We find the top 10 venues where good food and a welcoming atmosphere will banish those winter blues.

MAGGIE JONES
6 Old Court Place, W8 (020 7937 6462)
This ramshackle, dimly-lit seafood outfit with cookery paraphernalia dangling from walls and ceiling was reportedly named after Princess Margaret, who used to nip across from Kensington Palace for intimate dinners in one of the booths. Fish pie is the obvious choice on a cold day. They have a lengthy wine list, too. Starters from £6, mains from £10.25.

SEVEN STARS
Carey Street, W1 (020 7242 8521)
Tucked behind the Royal Courts of Justice, this pub is said to have been a haunt of Charles Dickens. Themenu is full of robust options such as Napoli sausage and mash or rabbit stew, and excellent real ales are on tap. But it's one of London's tiniest pubs, so get there before the barristers. And don't kick resident cat Tom Paine off a bar stool as you'll be in trouble with jolly landlady Roxy Beaujolais. Starters from £6, mains from £9.

DAQUISE
20 Thurloe Street, SW7 (020 7589 6117)
This South Kensington hideaway has been churning out cheap and homely Polish food since 1947. Order a bowl of steaming borscht alongside one of their many flavoured vodkas. Carafes of wine come in at £5. Finish off with szarlotka (Polish apple tart). Starters from £3.50, mains from £5.50.

ST MORITZ
161 Wardour Street, W1 (020 7734 3324)
The best fondues in London and the Swiss wood cabin feel will take you back 20 years. If melted Gruyère isn't for you, there are other skiing-type options such as Bratwurst, veal or onion soup - and chocolate fondue. Starters from £5.90, mains from £13.

ISLAND QUEEN
87 Noel Road, N1 (020 7704 7631)
Hidden away on a row of terraced houses near the canal. The main bar is festooned with velvet drapes and has a roaring fire at the back. Upstairs is a well-used pool table. Its standard pubgrub, except Fish and Chip Fridays withmultiple types of fish from famed fishmonger Steve Hatt. Good Belgian beers are on tap and the Tuesday night quiz is fiercely contested. Starters from £3 to £8, mains from £7 to £10.

THE GUN
27 Coldharbour, E14 (020 7515 5222)
This modern gastropub in Docklands overcomes its soulless situation with a simple and warm atmosphere. It was here that Nelson had regular assignations with Lady Hamilton in the snug. Think warming whisky macs next to the huge log fire as you gaze out at the Thames. Starters from £6, mains £12 to £17.

JOE ALLEN
13 Exeter Street, WC2 (020 7836 0651)
In the heart of Soho, descend into a theatrical, exposed-brick, dark-wood boite plastered with show posters and programmes. The long bar regulars are all crowd-pleasers, as is the modern American menu. This is truly one of the West End's biggest hits. Starters £5 to £7.50, mains £9 to £19.

BAM-BOU
1 Percy Street, W1 (020 7323 9130)
Possibly the only place in London where you can order a "suckling pig feast", this cocktail bar and restaurant draws heavily on South-East Asian influences from Thailand, Vietnam and China and is decked out with colonial style furniture. Watch for the beautiful regulars sipping mai tais. Bar snacks from £3, mains from around £10.

RICHARD CORRIGAN AT LINDSAY HOUSE
21 Romilly Street, W1 (020 7439 0450)
"I love Lindsay House,"says Fay Maschler, "my affection being entirely connected to admiration for its chef and proprietor, the wild Irishman Richard Corrigan." Enjoy his modern British food in the restaurant, expensively decorated as a traditional 18th century townhouse. Dinner, £56 for three courses.