Fish and chips for Rudi and Judy

It was fish and chips and seabass with parmesan for former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and his girlfriend Judith Nathan on their first London outing last night.

After arriving at Heathrow by Concorde, the couple took time for a night-time stroll through the West End before Mr Giuliani receives a knighthood from the Queen for leadership he showed after the 11 September attacks.

Mr Giuliani made his way to Avenue's restaurant in St James's Street where he had a meal with friends before returning to St James's Club where he and Ms Nathan are staying.

As the couple ambled the 100 yards to the club, Mr Giuliani told the Standard: "The meal was wonderful. Very relaxing. I had seabass with parmesan, which I am genetically drawn to, being Italian."

His girlfriend Judith Nathan, looking glamorous in a red trouser suit, said: "I had fish and chips. It was delicious".

Looking dapper in a dark suit, Mr Giuliani added: "I am very much looking forward to my stay in this fantastic city. I had to put off my visit in November because of what we were dealing with at home, so this is wonderful. It's a great opportunity to say thanks for the support Londoners gave in our time of desperate attack. We are eternally grateful. There are no group of people who helped us more."