This is the second year in a row my company Christmas Party has been held here, at the Dover Street Restaurant and Bar. The restaurant is on Dover Street (surprise, surprise!) in Mayfair, not far from Green Park tube station.

Whilst supping the rather drinkable House White (quite dry, not good if you prefer something sweet or medium) my boss told some jokes and said how well the company was doing. I laughed (or at least covered my cringing) at his jokes and took mental notes for future pay reviews. The starters arrived; I had ordered Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables with Pesto dressing and toasted Goats' Cheese. I enjoyed my starter, although I am not sure that the Goats' cheese was toasted, but it was strong and tangy, the pesto sauce did not stand out but the vegetables (a selection that included peppers, aubergine, red onion and mushroom) were roasted perfectly. The salmon starter was a popular choice, and although deemed 'too salty' by one colleague, generally passed muster.

For dessert I ordered chocolate mousse, it was a small slice and not as rich as I would have expected (which is a good thing), however, I didn't get too finish it though as I was dragged on the dance floor. After about 10pm the house band finishes and the rest of the evening is split between a DJ and a different live band with vocalists. The DJ played a good mix of pop and dance tracks from Scissor Sisters to Abba, and the live band played jazz, rock 'n' roll and soul classics such as Nutbush City Limits and Johnny Be Good. The music goes onto 3am and different bands play each night, so it is worth checking the website if you have a preference although there is usually a jazz flavour, but they play well-known and commercial songs, so don't worry if you aren't much of an aficionado.

The toilets are down a few stairs near where you come in, last year there was an attendant in there keeping it fresh and accepting donations for using her perfumes (at least in the Ladies). This year there was no attendant, and although it was not particularly busy later (not everyone stays on after the meal, so plenty of room on the dance floor) the toilets were lacking in a little bit of attention as far as replacing toilet rolls, and tidying up of paper towels. I would have expected slightly better from this place as far as that was concerned, as it tries to promote itself as a sophisticated venue. Ladies toilets are plentiful and I never experienced a queue.

Overall, we all had an excellent evening, this is no doubt helped by the fact that we weren't picking up the tab! Everyone behaved themselves (apart from a fully kilted Scottish Sales Rep who removed his underpants on the dance floor and tucked them in his sporran) and enjoyed the music is which is very middle of the road, to appeal to most tastes. Everyone enjoyed there food and I thought my meal was very enjoyable. Only one person in out party of almost thirty was unhappy with her food (but she complains about everything!). Would I go back? Yes, definitely, but probably only for occasions. I enjoy live music, but I think you get the best out of such a night if there is a group of you soaking up the atmosphere rather than as an intimate, romantic meal. The price is expensive, but you are not paying just for the food but for the ambience and live music. This happens not just at the festive time of year, live jazz is an important part of the Dover Street Restaurant and Bar experience.