Godron Ramsay at Claridge's, London

What is it? Gordon Ramsay's "diffusion" restaurant at Claridge's Hotel in Central London. The restaurant oozes Art Deco opulence.

What was enjoyable? The pre-dinner snacks - white truffle mousse and taramasalata (no, not together!) served with french toast and italian flat bread. The waiters and waitresses were laid back and not too bossy. Good "Menu Prestige" tasting menu - just the right quantity.

What was not enjoyable? Being asked to take coffee and petit fours at the lounge because our allocated 150 minutes was up! For a dinner at nearly £100 a head, it's a bit of a shock to get that kind of treatment and it's very sad that this situation is endemic in London. Can somebody do something about this?

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Written On Skin at the Royal Opera

This was the first revival of George Benjamin's Written On Skin. As with contemporary operas, familiarity goes a long way in appreciating the work. In this revival, I found Christopher Purves's The Protector powerful and moving. Barbara Hannigan, who sang Agnès, was superb. The pure and slightly eerie tone of Iestyn Davies as The Boy completed the perfect cast.

Götterdämmerung at The Met

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Hänsel und Gretel at the Royal Opera

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