1 | For An Updated Classic: Bob Bob Ricard

There would be outcry if Soho's art deco temple Bob Bob Ricard changed its menu too drastically (you don't mess with that Beef Wellington – you just don't – see above), but having had a new executive chef on board since last year, diners can now enjoy a few subtle additions and alterations. Those include the much fêted beetroot and goat's cheese starter, which comes in satisfyingly cake-like form, and the crab salad, whose bright green basil consommé radiates off the plate – the colour is sensational and the dish is fabulously fresh. Later on, there is a satisfying chicken Kiev topped with a crispy halo of herbs, and a succulent slab of poached cod stuffed – in true BBR style – with lobster and scallop, and placed on a rich Champagne sauce. Don't worry – you can still get your perfectly chilled vodka shots, those theatrically served oysters and, of course, that champagne at the press of a button.

1 Upper James Street, London, W1F 9DF; bobbobricard.com

2 | For French Fancies: Bastille Day In London

this image is not availablepinterest
Bear Grylls//Digital Spy
Brasserie Zedel, W1

This Friday is Bastille Day, so in solidarity with our friends across the Channel, it's time to dust of those blue and white stripes and embrace the Breton-and-beret combo. Indeed, as has become their own tradition, Piccadilly's Brasserie Zedel will offer anyone thus attired a free three-course meal from their 'Formule' menu. Drinks-wise, Tony Conigliaro is adding four French libations to the cocktail menu at Marylebone's Zetter Townhouse (including an appley Tatin 75 and a cognac-based Champs Élysées, they cost £11.50 each and are available on Friday and Saturday). Those of you with a sweet tooth can head to Dominique Ansel's Belgravia bakery where his 'Frenchie Religieue' is on-sale until Sunday: a double-decker cream puff with Nutella cream on the inside and appropriate stripes on top. And if you just want a good old croissant, then you can nab a takeaway one for free at any PAUL bakery if you wear blue and white stripes and say "Bonjour Paul" at the till. Bon chance!

brasseriezedel.com; thezettertownhouse.com; dominiqueansellondon.com; paul-uk.com

3 | For Business Breakfasts: Papillon

this image is not availablepinterest
Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

Piccadilly's Hotel Café Royal has spruced up its marbled dining room visible from the street, turning it into Papillon: an all-day restaurant bedecked in flowers, with much comfier seats than before and a butterfly motif because, well, you know. Open from breakfast onwards, this is a super convenient meetings option that is a 30-second walk from the tube, pretty without being twee and formal without being stuffy. The mornings offer all good things, including French toast with maple syrup, berries and cinnamon butter, all the egg variants (including an Iberico ham kind of Benedict) and cheese and meat platters for that European flavour. Later in the day, move onto quiches, salads and savoury crêpes. A great one to have up your sleeve.

68 Regent Street, London, W1B 4DY; papillonlondon.com

4 | For Hot Dog Game Face: Galvin HOP

this image is not availablepinterest
Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

This Wednesday is National Hot Dog Day, so an ideal opportunity to visit the Michelin-starred Galvin brothers' City pub, where all day long you can sample and judge a trio of mini dogs created by three of their Michelin-starred chef friends and former colleagues: James Wilkins' Chimichurri Dog has got the title's herby sauce, crispy chilli beef and Applewood smoked cheddar mayo on top; Geoffrey Smeddle's is called 'There's Been A Murder!' and has Blue Murder cheese, chilli jam and hispi cabbage; and Chris Eden's creation contains hog pudding (a bit like white pudding) and Cornish clotted cream sausage with Scrumpy Mustard and Cornish saffron. You can vote for your favourite (as will Chris and Jeff themselves), and the winner will be announced on Wednesday night.

£10.50

35 Spital Square, London, E1 6DY; galvinrestaurants.com

5 | Register For Summery G&Ts: Gin Mare's Med Rooftop

this image is not availablepinterest
Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

Gin lovers can rejoice: the refreshing Mediterranean Gin Mare is hosting a special rooftop bar on Thursday and Friday of next week, only, as part of a worldwide set of pop-ups that have so far been held in Lisbon, Barcelona, Rome and more. Whilst crowds jostle for space on the South Bank, head across Waterloo Bridge and to the top of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, by the Savoy Hotel, where you will find a summery oasis. You can snack on tapas and oysters whilst sampling this gin in many guises: a simple G&T or martini, or a more vibrant Basil Smash or Frozemary cocktail. Register online for entrance.

20th 21st July; 6.30pm – late

Rooftop & 5th floor, IET, 2 Savoy Place, London, WC2R 0BL; medrooftops.com