The Brompton area of Knightsbridge has always had that extravagant, continental air about it, where things are arranged 'just so' for its demanding and wealthy patrons. High expectation and standards permeate the golden stretch from the audacious, über address, One Hyde Park to the chattering socialites that frequent Brompton Quarter, further west.

Brompton Quarter Brasserie, unlike the highly conspicuous and flamboyant locals is somewhat hidden behind a white, temporary facade complete with minor scaffolding. This is a shame because I actually walked passed it twice and the owners reassure me that sufficient signage will be erected to improve visibility.

On the positive side you could say this really does qualify it as a hidden gem. Why? Because it's unusually, unfussy and relaxed. It marries sleek, modern interiors with warm, informal touches like a large blackboard used to update customers of menu options.

Its breakfast menu alone demands attention. Firstly it's great value and secondly it covers all the basics from Continental breakfast; mini pain au chocolat, mini croissant, mini pain aux raisins, mini bread roll, clotted-cream, butter & jam 6.95, to the healthy option, Brompton Quarter organic; granola toasted oats, coconut shaving, almonds, sunflower seeds, raisins, Greek yoghurt & honey or milk (dairy, soya, rice) 7.95. It even has the classic Full English breakfast organic; Vegetarian breakfast organic poached eggs on toast, hummus, spinach, offering a feel-good start to the day.

For those with less rigid dietary parameters, the selection of cakes at The Gourmet Bar is mighty popular as is the range of coffee, tea, fresh juice, smoothies and milk shakes with home-made ice cream. I had the liquourice and cinnamon tea. Sweet and crisp.

We dined in the evening and were immediately put at ease by the relaxed atmosphere created by a subtle combination of the spacious seating arrangement and welcoming, easy-going staff.

On the starter menu we opted for Layered Crab and Avocado in classic Mary-rose sauce on a bed of mixed leaves £ 7.95 and Smoked Haddock & Crème Fraiche Risotto with wilted spinach £ 6.95. While the crab ticked all the boxes, the Crème Fraiche Risotto, a dish rich by its very nature, veered a little too much towards heavy and buttery.

My main course of Seafood Linguine Tiger prawns, mussels & clams with chili, white wine and garlic £14.95, was a complete delight. Getting the right intensity in the sauce was key and I can well understand why it remains such a popular main course choice. They've got this one nailed.

I was accompanied by a sausage and mash connoisseur and she was quick to comment on the Free Range Cumberland Sausage with creamed leeks, rich onion gravy and char grilled new potatoes £12.95. The combined richness of the deep, concentrated onion gravy and buttery texture of the creamed leeks and potato was enough to overdose my expert and she failed to finish the dish. Although this was a first for her, she loved the Cumberland Sausage but the accompaniement didn't gel and do it justice.

On another visit I would have opted for the renowned organic steaks and hamburgers and there's the opportunity to try the chef's daily specials too - see the blackboard.

We finished with St Emilion poached pear & praline tart 6.75, which was fruity and light with a crunchy biscuit base. This time the combinations worked to perfection and my liquourice and cinnamon tea was a fitting finale.

The imaginative 'Sharing' menu at The Gourmet Bar is worth mentioning too; Three Rice Salad with pomegranate, almonds, rocket & raisins £ 7.25 and Seafood Salad squid, octopus, king prawns & mussels, julienne of carrots, red peppers, Celery, olive oil & lemon £ 9.95 caught the eye as 'tapas style' choices.

I would certainly recommend the Brompton Quarter Brasserie at any time of the day. There's always something there to intrigue and fire the imagination.

The Brompton Quarter Brasserie, 223-225 Brompton Road, London, SW3
Open from 8.30am – 10.30pm, 7 days a week