Impress the Big Cheese

Eat your way to a raise - impress the boss restaurants

Even that scary bloke/bird in the posh bit of the office needs to refuel once in a while. Go on; take her out, show him a good time and (hopefully) reap the rewards with our handy guide to the best restaurants throughout the UK.

Whether you want a raise, a promotion or just a few tips on jazzy ties and accessories we guarantee an easy transition from office monkey to big Gorgonzola's pet in a few easy steps.

Step One Ascertain your objectives - if it's a raise you're after you don't want to go too over the top. Splashing out on free-flowing Champagne and caviar isn't exactly going to strengthen the financial cause. Basically you want to impress, without too much excess and it has to be somewhere that doesn't make 'Oh important one' yawn with boredom. Pizza Express is out, unique little gems and good service are in.

Step Two OK, so you know what you want and hopefully have some idea how you're going to get it. This is where we step in with a handy run down of the best 'to impress' places in town. Read on…

Step Three Choose your city:

Step Four Choose your venue, we wholeheartedly recommend…

Lettonie, Kelston Road (01225) 446676 - The only restaurant in Bath with two Michelin stars, you're gonna need all the cash you can get for this place. Posh with a capital 'p', huge windows, fancy drapes, oil paintings, attentive service and excellent food will surely make your boss fall in love with you (even if that's not the sort of appraisal you were hoping for).

The Moody Goose, Kingsmead Square (01225) 466688 - A rare non-smoking restaurant, The Moody Goose is far from grumpy. Awarded a Michelin star, diners are very impressed by this unpretentious gem and therefore would gladly opt for stuffing their mouths with their gorgeous delights instead of puffing on a few tabs.

Olive Tree, Russell Street, (01225) 447928 - This place is so posh it's scary, even your boss will turn into a nervous wreck, and spend all night concentrating on which knife is best and being careful not to knock over their glass of wine with nervousness. They'll be putty in your hands.

Le Clos, Seven Dials (01225) 444450 - These guys have certainly got French cuisine down to a tee but where, oh where, is their justly deserved Michelin star? Although originally Le Cloy du Roy, the new management and name haven't altered the place in the slightest. Prepare for your boss to be impressed.

Eastern Eye, Quiet Street (01225) 422323 - If it's been a legless drinking sesh with your boss round town, best not bring them back here as you'll probably get the sack. They're more than likely to throw you both out and make your boss look like a drunken fool. Which of course would be completely unfair. Indian cuisine at its finest, and an excellent place to butter anyone up (at the beginning of a night).

Step Five Choosing wine? Conversation pointers? Classic 'any situation' type gags? www. itchycity.co.uk has got all this covered within its cyber pages. You're pretty much sorted.

Step Six Accomplish mission and let us know how it went. Feedback is always welcomed on our message boards, though we're not taking any responsibility for any fancy cocktail induced moments of honesty, desperation or embarrassing begging. Sorry.

Now that you've found out where to stay, check out what Bath offers in the way of places to stay and shops

Step Four Choose your venue, we wholeheartedly recommend

A couple of obvious candidates that you could certainly do worse than are Le Petit Blanc and The Bank which both serve up some of the finest food in the city, albeit at a price. However you might want to impress your boss with your knowledge of the local specialties in Birmingham that means Indian with the Maharaja and Shimla Pinks being the most likely to make the right impression.

Bank Restaurant and Bar 4 Brindley Place (0121) 633 4466 Excellent French food although the brisk service and bustling atmosphere may not be to everyone's taste.

Le Petit Blanc 9 Brindley Place (0121) 633 7333 Superb French cuisine in relaxed and refined atmosphere. Quite pricey but worth it.

Maharaja 23/25 Hurst Street (0121) 622 2641 As good as any Indian restaurant in Birmingham. And that's saying something.

Shimla Pinks 214 Broad Street (0121) 633 0366 Ultra modern and stylish Indian restaurant that should certainly impress.

Step Five Choosing wine? Conversation pointers? Classic 'any situation' type gags? www. itchycity.co.uk has got all this covered within its cyber pages. You're pretty much sorted.

Now that you've found out where to stay, check out what Birmingham offers in the way of places to stay and shops

Step Four Choose your venue, we wholeheartedly recommend

C Restaurant at Blanch House, 17 Atlingworth Street (01273) 645755 - pristinely white décor popular with trendy 'meedja' types, so it's lucky that the food is equally as good looking. Not advised if your boss has a complex about his beer gut, height, or general bodily odour.

Tootsies, 16-18 Meeting House Lane (01273) 726777 - take advantage of the bustling atmosphere, and loud-ish house music pumping out of the speakers at the weekend. Forget anything you had to say to impress, nodding thoughtfully should do the job.

The Boardwalk, 250 Kings Road Arches (01273) 746067 - The spectacular views of the sea are enough to impress, let alone the fresh wholefood. If your knowledge of superior dining spot's is this good, how could you fail to grasp the basics of that new job you're hankering after?

Loch Fyne, 95-99 Western Road (01273) 716160 - Brighton's waited a long time for a seafood spread this fine. Pay attention to what your boss orders off the menu, then arrange for their home delivery service to send some round. Your boss wants attention to detail - how could you possibly flounder?

Terre a Terre, 71 East Street (01273) 729051 - so they're one of those right-on, veggie types? Never fear, they may serve up a bastion of all things grown from the earth, but the food's spot on. Good enough to save even the most hardened of carnivores from choking on their carrot sticks.

Step Five Choosing wine? Conversation pointers? Classic 'any situation' type gags? www. itchycity.co.uk has got all this covered within its cyber pages. You're pretty much sorted.

Now that you've found out where to stay, check out what Brighton offers in the way of places to stay and shops

Step Four Choose your venue, we wholeheartedly recommend…

Deason's Restaurant 43 Whiteladies Road (0117) 973 6230 Sharp, sophisticated and contemporary dinning comes to Bristol in the form of Deasons.Injecting innovation and excitement into the traditional stiff fare of British cuisine. It is the perfect day venue for a classy spot of lunch and candle lit tables at night. 12-2.30, Mon-Sat, 6.30-10 Mon-Thu, 6.30-10.30 Fri & Sat, 12-3 Sun Meal for Two £41.75 (Two Courses)

Hullaballoos 85 Park Street (0117) 907 7540/46 46 Whiteladies Road (0117) 923 9212 If your boss is a middle of the road kinda guy who thinks onion gravy is a bit posh then these places will serve you well. It's a safe mix of British / European cuisine with a BYO policy, an excellent tool to win those brownie points with. They only serve meals on a fixed menu basis which is relatively cheap and you get a fair size portion. Whiteladies 12-2.15 & 6 'til late Mon-Sat, 12-3.30, 6 'til late Sun Park Street 12-2.15 Mon-Sat 12-3.30 Sun, 6 'til late Mon-Sat Meal for Two £30 (Three course dinner - no corkage charge)

Chez Gerard 37-39 Corn Street (0117) 917 0490 Al fresco French dining is present in Bristol in the form of this chic eatery / munchery. Don't be put off by the castle like exterior with flaming torches - inside it is a classy mix of swarve brown leather upholstery, mosaic floors and booth style seating reminiscent of the Orient Express (minus the murders). 12pm-11pm Mon-Sat Meal for Two £30.50 (Roasted Pork Fillet on Savoy Cabbage with Cider and Apple Jus)

Sukoshi Unite House, Frogmore Street (0117) 927 6003 Give the boss the aura of an efficient Japanese work ethic but inviting him/her out for sushi. Power lunch 'em! The venue is a collaboration of breath taking style with two stonewall water fountains, traditional panel booths and black leather upholstery and we reckon is the right balance of smart and relaxed.The Champagne list is long with the small matter of thirty bottles to choose from ranging from £15 to a cool £220 (you better have clinched a pretty hot deal, or really want that promotion). 11am-12am Mon-Sun Meal for Two £26.85 (Teriyaki Tuna)

Step Five Choosing wine? Conversation pointers? Classic 'any situation' type gags? www. itchycity.co.uk has got all this covered within its cyber pages. You're pretty much sorted.

Now that you've found out where to stay, check out what Bristol offers in the way of places to stay and shops

Step Four Choose your venue, we wholeheartedly recommend…

Venue 66 Regent Street (01223) 367333 - relax over a cocktail in their upstairs bar - all the food's freshly made on the premises - so it'll take that little bit longer but it's worth the wait. Live musicians jazz things up at the weekends.

Midsummer House Midsummer Common (01223) 369299 - dress up in your Sunday best, for some of Cambridge's finest food, at prices to make your bank manager wince.

Loch Fyne Trumpington Street (01223) 362433 - The views of the Fitzwilliam Museum opposite are impressive in themselves, as is the excellent selection of seafood. It's enough to stun your boss into silence, until you ask for that fat pay rise.

Michel's Brasserie 21-24 Northampton Street (01223) 353110 - Supposedly haunted, but don't let that put them off. The upstairs bar is perfect for getting your boss drunk as a skunk, so that by the time you make it to a table they'll be eating out the palm of your hand.

Yippee 7-9 King Street (01223) 518111 - impress all those fanatical, non-smoking types. They'll get to breathe in lungfuls of 'unpolluted' air as they twirl their noodles with gusto.

Step Five Choosing wine? Conversation pointers? Classic 'any situation' type gags? www. itchycity.co.uk has got all this covered within its cyber pages. You're pretty much sorted.

Now that you've found out where to stay, check out what Cambridge offers in the way of places to stay and shops

Step Four Choose your venue, we wholeheartedly recommend…

Pearl of the Orient Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay (029) 20498080 - Newly established plush affair - modern, swanky features along with scrumptious food, set this place apart from the rest. Definitely be prepared for a pay rise after a trip here.

Cutting Edge Discovery House, Scott Harbour, Cardiff Bay (029) 20470780 - This place is classy, with big, showy windows you should make sure you sit beside. Ideal for when your pleby rival colleague happens to trudge past on their way home from working all night trying to impress, to see you dazzling your boss.

Gilby's Old Port Road, Culverhouse Cross (029) 20670800 - For creating impressions, you can't do much better than here. Recently awarded the coveted Michelin 'Red M' prize for its culinary masterpieces, your status will rise just as much as theirs did, after a visit here.

Le Gallois 8 Romilly Crescent, Canton (029) 20341264 - Plush as you like and held in high esteem by the multitude of certificates and awards plastered around the place, even your boss will feel inadequate in here. Take advantage of their insecurity to bring you together as equals, even if it is only for one evening.

Thai House 3 Guilford Crescent (off Churchill Way) (029) 20387404 - Authentically dressed staff and exotic dishes presented like works of art. They've carefully restored the old Philharmonic Theatre, so it's both a popular and worthy place. Make sure your boss brings his gold card, though, as the prices are pretty steep.

Step Five Choosing wine? Conversation pointers? Classic 'any situation' type gags? www. itchycity.co.uk has got all this covered within its cyber pages. You're pretty much sorted.

Now that you've found out where to stay, check out what Cardiff offers in the way of places to stay and shops

Step Four Choose your venue, we wholeheartedly recommend…

The Apartment 7-13 Barclay Place (0131) 228 6456 - massively popular eatery with eccentric menu and even more creative wine list. The downright glamorous staff are sure to keep a smile on old Harveys face even if you don't.

Creelers Hunter Square (0131) 220 4447 - very relaxing speciality seafood restaurant ideal for lulling the boss into a false sense of security before popping that all important pay rise question.

Point Restaurant, 34 Bread Street (0131) 221 5555 Three words describe the Point Restaurant: elegant, inexpensive and delicious.

The TowerM Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street (0131) 225 3003 - Who wants to be a millionaire? I do, just so I can afford to go to The Tower more than once in a lifetime. Might be hard justifying a pay rise if you're footing the bill here.

Witchery 352 Castlehill, Royal Mile (0131) 225 5613 - If you're really out to impress, this is the place. Classic restaurant that nearly borders upon the gothic - you'll pay, but impressing the boss comes at a price.

Step Five Choosing wine? Conversation pointers? Classic 'any situation' type gags? www. itchycity.co.uk has got all this covered within its cyber pages. You're pretty much sorted.

Now that you've found out where to stay, check out what Edinburgh offers in the way of places to stay and shops

Step Four Choose your venue, we wholeheartedly recommend…

Guellers York Place (0113) 245 9922 - fabulous French a-la-carte from a chef who worked with Marco Pierre White.

Rascasse Canal Wharf, Water Lane (0113) 244 6611 - spend many a happy hour looking out at the picturesque Leeds-Liverpool canal whilst indulging in some top quality French and English cuisine.

Pool Court at 42 The Calls (0113) 244 4242 - Michelin stars at mighty high prices. Feel nauseaous from the bill, rather than the fantastic food.

Thai Edge Calverley Street (0113) 243 6333 - clean lines and hot spices.

Fish! The Headrow (0113) 243 2113 - remind your boss what a great catch you are.

Step Five Choosing wine? Conversation pointers? Classic 'any situation' type gags? www. itchycity.co.uk has got all this covered within its cyber pages. You're pretty much sorted.

Now that you've found out where to stay, check out what Leeds offers in the way of places to stay and shops

Step Four Choose your venue, we wholeheartedly recommend…

The Living Room Victoria Street. 0151 236 1999. Right in the heart of the business district, so you'll be surrounded by others doing the same thing. Has big leather sofas and booths - so if you boss is a big cheese type, he'll feel right at home. Food's great too.

The Other Place Allerton Road. 0151 724 1234. Relaxed restaurant with a very classy feel to it. Good wine list and a perfectly executed menu of modern British dishes that changes weekly.

L'Aloutes St Johns Lane. 0151 709 0922. Ok, so you've got to really want that promotion to pod out for this one, as it's not cheap. But the dishes served here are so good they're guaranteed to distract the boss away from asking awkward questions that'll reveal your blatent lack of company knowledge.

Pan American Club Albert Dock. 0151 709 7097. Big classy restaurant and bar that provides live entertainment, excellent food, and even has a dedicated champagne bar. If you buy your boss a watermelon cocktail in here he/she will be putty in your hands. Promise.

Don Pepes Victoria Street. 0151 227 4265. The décor in here is something else - your boss'll forget he's at work and will start to feel like he's in Spain… and once in that chilled out holiday mood he's much more likely to forgive you for not having met a single deadline in the last two months.

Step Five Choosing wine? Conversation pointers? Classic 'any situation' type gags? www. itchycity.co.uk has got all this covered within its cyber pages. You're pretty much sorted.

Now that you've found out where to stay, check out what Liverpool offers in the way of places to stay and shops

Step Four Choose your venue, we wholeheartedly recommend…

Carluccio's, 14 The Market, W1 (020) 7636 2228 - minutes from the Oxford St gridlock, but a literal oasis of calm and quality Italian fare. Plus it won't totally break the bank.

Rasa, 12 Dering St, W1 (020) 7637 0222 - ok, it's an Indian but they'll be none of your lager in cans at four in the morning type banter here. Classy, stylish and a veritable taste sensation.

Dish Dash, 45 Charlotte St, W1 (020) 7637 7474 - Anglo-Persian restaurant offering some of the most interesting cuisine in the capital with prices to match. Jamie Oliver raved about it in itchy london 2001 - and if it's good enough for him…

LMNT, 567 Queensbridge Rd, E8 (020) 7249 6727 - unless you work somewhere in the east end, getting a taxi to the depths of Dalston with your boss might not instil the greatest confidence in your attentions. Given that you can make it here without any kind of screaming, fuss of general hysteria, they'll be so impressed with the French menu and obscure Egyptian décor you'll have them eating out of your hand and looking up estate agents in gangland central in no time.

OXO Tower, Riverside (020) 7803 3888 - kind of obvious but for a reason. OXO Tower is the classic to impress venue and when you get bored of talking shop you can check out the views to divert attention from any blatant lack of company knowledge.

Step Five Choosing wine? Conversation pointers? Classic 'any situation' type gags? www. itchycity.co.uk has got all this covered within its cyber pages. You're pretty much sorted.

Now that you've found out where to stay, check out what London offers in the way of places to stay and shops

Step Four Choose your venue, we wholeheartedly recommend…

Chez Gerard King Street. 0161 214 1120. Right in the heart of the business district, so you'll be surrounded by others doing the same thing. Has big tan leather sofas - so if you boss is a big cheese type, he'll feel right at home. Food's great too.

The Ox 71 Liverpool Road. 0161 839 7740. Relaxed pub-style restaurant with a very classy feel to it. Good wine list and a perfectly executed menu of modern British dishes.

The Lime Tree Lapwing Lane, West Didsbury. 0161 445 1217. Ok, so you've got to really want that promotion to pod out for this one, as it's not cheap. But the dishes served here are so good they're guaranteed to distract the boss away from asking awkward questions that'll reveal your blatent lack of company knowledge.

Pacific 58 George Street. 0161 228 6668. You can be assertive about your restaurant of choice, but still allow your boss to be in control as he decides which floor to dine on - one's Chinese food, the other Thai. And both are excellent.

Croma Clarence Street, off Albert Square. 0161 237 9799. A lot like Pizza Express actually - but a whole lot better, and independent (so you'll look like you've made the choice of a forward thinking individual). Proper napkins and helpful staff are another bonus.

Step Five Choosing wine? Conversation pointers? Classic 'any situation' type gags? www. itchycity.co.uk has got all this covered within its cyber pages. You're pretty much sorted.

Now that you've found out where to stay, check out what Manchester offers in the way of places to stay and shops

Step Four Choose your venue, we wholeheartedly recommend…

Harts Park Row 0115 911 0666 Harts has been the yardstick by which Nottingham's restaurants have been measured for many a year now and rarely fails to impress. It offers superb food and excellent presentation in a warm gallery atmosphere.

World Service Newdigate House, Castlegate 0115 847 5587 Impressive and exclusive surroundings and a quality menu of world food have placed this restaurant in the top echelons of the city's restaurants. World Service has a setting to equal its excellent menu. Careful though as this will put a strain on the old wallet.

Benton's 36-38 Heathcote Street, Hockley 0115 959 9800 For a little less strain on your wallet this is a well-established bistro with an excellent reputation. The food on the whole is a good standard, the décor simple but pleasant, and the place is always lively.

Laguna Tandoori 43 Mount Street 0115 941 1632 The Laguna has survived for years and years thanks to word of mouth. And the word is pretty good. Regarded by many as the best it town. This should impress the true connoisseur.

Siam Thani 16-20a Carlton Street 0115 958 2222 Whilst Nottingham is actually pretty well blessed for decent Thai restaurants this is definitely one of the best

Step Five Choosing wine? Conversation pointers? Classic 'any situation' type gags? www. itchycity.co.uk has got all this covered within its cyber pages. You're pretty much sorted.

Now that you've found out where to stay, check out what Nottingham offers in the way of places to stay and shops

Step Four Choose your venue, we wholeheartedly recommend…

Browns 5-11 Woodstock Rd (01865) 319655 - an Oxford institution providing a fail-safe, faultless choice to impress just about anyone.

Le Petit Blanc 71-72 Walton St (01865) 510999 - this places oozes sophistication so if you want to convince the big cheese that you'll handle that promotion with as much finesse as you handle restaurant reservations, take them here.

Branca 111 Walton St, (01865) 556111 - modern, spacious Italian restaurant ideal for power lunches and clinching deals.

Edamame 15 Holywell St (01865) 426916 - Japanese canteen style dining to sort out your employment karma.

Quod 92-94 High St (01865) 202505 - another Oxford classic. Mediterranean cuisine, outdoor seating and loads of deals being done around you - good for picking up business like phrases to fill those awkward silences.

Step Five Choosing wine? Conversation pointers? Classic 'any situation' type gags? www. itchycity.co.uk has got all this covered within its cyber pages. You're pretty much sorted.

Now that you've found out where to stay, check out what Oxford offers in the way of places to stay and shops

Step Four Choose your venue, we wholeheartedly recommend…

Beauchief Hotel and Restaurant 161 Abbeydale Road South (0114) 262 0500 If you have particularly deep pockets (or if someone else is paying) you could opt for the a la carte menu with individually priced courses. For those on a smaller budget the table d'hote menu compares very reasonably with the major hotels in the city, and is still well above the standard of many restaurants with great food, service and surroundings.

Rafters 220 Oakbrook Rd (0114) 230 4819 The award winning chefs have developed their own style based upon traditional cooking techniques, but with more imaginative presentation and style. The menu is strongly orientated around modern British cooking, but there are the occasional world influences that add depth and variety to the recipes.

Nonna's 539-541 Ecclesall Road (0114) 268 6166 Is quite unique in that virtually anything you choose on the menu is guaranteed to be delicious. The chef's take great pride in what they prepare, and you can tell when taste it. Superb homemade Italian cooking is brought to the dinner tables of Sheffield thanks to this excellent restaurant.

Canton Orchard 377 Fulwood Road (0114) 263 0922 Nestling in a converted manor house this grand Chinese restaurant looks and tastes fantastic. There's a very impressive array of delicious Cantonese, Pekinese and Szechuan dishes, which as you can imagine come at a price.

The Mediterranean 271 Sharrow Vale Road (0114) 266 1069 The seafood menu is the best in town, and also vegetarians get a very wide selection to choose from- that can't be said for most of the restaurants in Sheff. This place is a little bit different, which means you'll notice when the bill comes, but if you've enjoyed indulging in a sophisticated evening I'm sure Mr credit card won't mind the extra work out just this once.

Step Five Choosing wine? Conversation pointers? Classic 'any situation' type gags? www. itchycity.co.uk has got all this covered within its cyber pages. You're pretty much sorted.

Now that you've found out where to stay, check out what Sheffield offers in the way of places to stay and shops

Step Four Choose your venue, we wholeheartedly recommend…

19 Grape Lane 19 Grape Lane (01904) 636366 Specialising in high class English and Continental cuisine, this fine restaurant tends to cater to lunching businessmen and older couples.

The Blue Bicycle 34 Fossgate (01904) 673 990 Cosy, cluttered, friendly and a bit special, Blue Bicycle (you'll see it outside chained to the drainpipe if someone hasn't pinched it) is still the best restaurant in town, assuming you've got a few quid to spend.

Kites 13 Grape Lane (01904) 641 750 Set upstairs from their trendy wine bar, Kites serve characteristically flamboyant continental and international dishes. It tends to attract a fashionable and well to do crowd, so make sure you dress up, if you don't want to be mistaken for the cleaner.

Melton's 7 Scarcroft Road (01904) 634341 Many people still consider this to be the best in town. Head Chef, Michael Hjort is swiftly becoming York's resident celebrity chef following his regular appearances at the Autumn Food and Drink Festivals, and also for his very tasty food.

Rish 7 Fossgate (01904) 622688 This highly acclaimed restaurant has been drawing attention, both for its modern British and Continental menu, and also for their impressive, albeit very narrow modern minimalist decor. It has to be said that the food is delish, and very different.

Step Five Choosing wine? Conversation pointers? Classic 'any situation' type gags? www. itchycity.co.uk has got all this covered within its cyber pages. You're pretty much sorted.

Now that you've found out where to stay, check out what York offers in the way of places to stay and shops.

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