Top tables: Kyran Bracken

England rugby player Kyran Bracken tries his best to eat out whenever he can. He tells us about the restaurants that score highly in his book.

The Cock And Dragon, 14 Chalk Lane EN4. Tel: 020 8449 7160. Tube: Cockfosters

They do lovely gastro Thai pub grub which provides the perfect partner for any pint after a hard training session.

Just St James, 12 St James Street SW1. Tel: 020 7976 2222. Tube: Green Park

Set in a refurbished bank, the main selling point of the place is the simple British cooking, impeccable service and extensive wine list - all at affordable prices.

Blue Elephant, 4 Fulham Broadway SW6. Tel: 020 7385 6595. Tube: Fulham Broadway

The food is Thai served at its best and the luscious vegetation and koi carp fish in the river below add an air of authenticity. I particularly recommend a waterside table.

E&O, 14 Blenheim Crescent W11. Tel: 020 7229 5454. Tube: Notting Hill Gate/Ladbroke Grove

This is Japanese without the pretensions set in the heart of Notting Hill. The food has that melt-in-your-mouth quality and the price doesn't burn a

hole in your pocket. The atmosphere is buzzy and the bar is packed at the weekend.

La Bouchèe, 56 Old Brompton Road SW7. Tel: 020 7589 1929. Tube: South Kensington

A formal French restaurant where the waiters can be a bit snotty but, because the food is so good, I'm prepared to overlook it. The clientele is largely made up of American tourists but I love the decor, which makes the place look like a traditional French bistro.

Kyran Bracken plays for Saracens against Colomiers at Vicarage Road Stadium, Watford, on Sunday at 3pm, £10. Tel: 01923 475 222.