Last night, I went to dinner at Carbone, Grosvenor Square — and if I’m honest, I arrived slightly sceptical.

Lately, so much of nightlife has felt… flat. Predictable. Disconnected. The spark that once made cities like London feel electric sometimes seems harder to find. So I wasn’t expecting much.

I was wrong. From the moment I walked in, something shifted. The energy. The atmosphere. The sense of occasion. Carbone reminded me what great hospitality really feels like. Located in the heart of Mayfair, this iconic New York institution has landed in London with confidence and style — reviving the golden-era Italian-American spirit with generosity, theatre, and warmth. From the flawless service to dishes like their legendary Spicy Rigatoni Vodka and Veal Chop Parmesan, everything felt intentional. Elevated. Alive.

But more than the food, it was the feeling. People talking. Laughing. Connecting. A room that felt present, not distracted.

A reminder that great social spaces still matter. It genuinely resurrected my zest for going out, for being sociable, for enjoying what cities are meant to offer.

We mustn’t lose this. London has always been one of the world’s great cultural and social capitals — not just because of its buildings or brands, but because of its energy, diversity, and human connection. When it all comes together like this, there is nothing quite like it anywhere else.

If you haven’t been yet — it’s worth every penny.

Last night was proof: London is still very much alive.

The food is plentiful and delicious with a true taste of New York. The staff were happy, engaged, not fake and great fun. The atmosphere was alive and although expensive, it was worth it. Great wine list is a bonus.