Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

Danilla Cope, a waitress at Randall & Aubin, with manager Daniel Griffiths. He is an absolute delight, and no wonder, as all customers hug and kiss him upon departure.

To enjoy the Randall & Aubin Experience, you may have to stand in a queue along the wall outside the 200-year old building at 16 Brewer Street, Soho, London, for about an hour. And this is with reservations. But the wait is painless, as the affable manager Daniel Griffiths comes out and smilingly explains why, while offering glasses of wine to get things started.

There's much to see also, from the busy Chef Adrian Augustyn at the open range deftly arranging a variety of the restaurant's specialty seafood on attractive plates, to the movement of the tables in the 42-seater eatery.

Eclectic mix

And, for those for whom the sight still evokes awe, there are a few drag queens engrossed in conversation while dining within. Their make-up is flawless and they are clad in some pretty fetching outfits. Across the street, neon signs proclaim the wonders of a variety of adult erotica, DVDs, videos and literature, while up and down the busy streets, foot traffic comprises an eclectic mix of free-spirited folk, and even a marching band. What the heck, it's only 10:00 p.m.

Griffiths explains that at the 10-year-old restaurant, it is the norm for clients to wait in line for long periods, even in winter. "The music and vibe are good and the food is excellent, so our customers don't mind," he told Food. Once inside, chefs are equal to the task and the courses are served in good time.

Company and fellowship

The company and fellowship are great and being a gay-friendly establishment, we soon find out that there are several couples who are repeat customers, with many coming for at least nine years, and from as far away as Australia. Everyone is known by name and, upon departure, there are hugs and kisses all around. Just like one big, happy family.

Randall & Aubin opens daily from 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. and is reputed to be the busiest restaurant in London, especially on weekend.

Grifiths also revealed that all seafood and vegetables are bought fresh daily for the multi-gold medal winning restaurant. "Everything is still prepared the French way with fat and nerves removed to avoid waste."

Among the menu items sampled by the British Airways team from Jamaica were: fish and chips, sea bass which just melts in the mouth, original Caesar salad, grilled lobster with garlic butter and a divine vanilla crème brûlée.

Flying to London

To get to the United Kingdom, whether it's for the annual London Fashion Week/Fashion Weekend sales that follow, for business, visits to family or for a holiday, there's no better way than by British Airways. For 60 years, the carrier has been taking Jamaicans safely and comfortably to and from the historic country, and among the special guests have been members of the local media.

This year's media trip lasted from September 27 to October 2 and the party of six stayed at the Hyatt Regency The Churchill in close proximity to the heart of the shopping districts, theatre community, commerce and popular sights. The stops included: high tea at The Dorchester Hotel; tour of London and the newly renovated rooms at the Hyatt Regency Hotel; a night at the theatre to see the musical Evita, dining at fine restaurants and, of course, two visits to the fashion weekend activities (see Flair Monday, October 9, for details).

And BA Holidays will make all these arrangements for the savvy traveller.

These days, the mental and physical hassle of flying can be made less so with easy check-in at the tip of the fingers on your home or work computer. Once on board, Club World offers partitioned privacy in seats that recline to flat-bed comfort for those who wish to take a nap or just go to sleep snuggled beneath a blanket.

Meals are good and service offered by cabin crew is excellent. While waiting to board, the British Airways lounge offers a place to grab a snack, use the bathroom, check email, use the telephone and catch up on newspaper or television news in easy chairs.

Barbara Ellington's trip was courtesy of British Airways as part of their 60th anniversary celebrations.

Left: Irish Sea Bass with diced potatoes in olive oil that just melts in the mouth.   Center: Original Caesar's Salad with anchovies served at Randall and Aubin, 16 Brewer Street, Soho, London.   Right: Fish and Chips are as synonymous with London as gin is with tonic.