Monday detox? No, thanks.

I know, I know. It's Monday night. The diet starts today. It’s time to detox. You probably had a heavy weekend.

But here is my controversial opinion: Monday nights are the best night to go out and eat in London.

We’re told that the weekend is for going out, dining out, living it up. Whatever

it might be. And Monday is for the restart, the recoup, the home-cooked comforts, the strategic leftovers, or the salads.

But for those of you who appreciate the whole experience -the atmosphere, the people, the passion of true hospitality - Monday is the secret weapon.

Let’s be honest, most people love the energy and chaos of a Friday or Saturday night. You’ve finished work, you can let loose. If you get a table for you and three friends in the hottest place at 7:30 pm, you’ve struck gold. It’s exciting, but often it's more about being at the place everyone else is at, not necessarily about the nuanced quality of the experience.

And as someone who has worked on the floor on those evenings, it can be stressful as hell. The crowd is different, the vibe is different. I’m not here for the weekend people.

Come Monday, the restaurant has changed. The pressure has dropped. The floor staff aren't running around like headless chickens. The sommelier has time for a real chat. This is the prime opportunity to get to know the people who make your meal what it is - because crap service spoils amazing food. You have a moment to understand the wine list, and feel like a true regular, which can feel close to impossible on Friday at 8 pm.

The restaurants that are open often reward this commitment. This is the night you might find a little extra generosity, whether it’s easier to get that cosy table or counter seat, or the unexpected joy of free or discounted corkage. You’re trading hype for pure hospitality. And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Then, you’ve finally made the decision to go out and realise, “everywhere is closed.” But it’s not true. The places that remain open are, in my opinion, London’s best spots.

We’re talking about those under-the-radar spots - the brilliant neighbourhood bistro that knows its community needs them all week, the commitment to excellent service, and the consistent quality that doesn't falter when the crowds thin out. They are your anchors.

And today, the commitment to dining on a quieter day is more important than ever. The hospitality industry is experiencing significant turbulence; so many places are popping up every day, but just as many are sadly closing. The landscape of dining out is changing. At Grapes & Plates we talk a lot about supporting local, and the best way to do that is to help our local restaurants.

By dining out and supporting a great kitchen on a quieter day like Monday (or Tuesday), you provide stability, boost staff morale, and prove that the demand for quality hospitality is there seven days a week.

You’re not just buying a plate of food; you’re investing in their longevity and sustainability, and contributing to a healthier industry.

Ditch the Monday night meal prep. Forget starting the healthy eating. Find a place that is open, settle in, and enjoy the conversation - with your people, and the people looking after you. It’s a quiet joy the weekend simply can’t match, it’s true hospitality.

Here are my top Monday night places (More to come on each of these!)

• Elystan Street: Chef Phil Howard's Michelin-starred spot is known for its relaxed, seasonal, and high-quality Modern European food and amazingly warm service. Having worked here, I can attest it’s the perfect place for unpretentious, high-quality food and drink at accessible prices.

• Dinings SW3: A hidden gem on a cobbled street, this is an excellent choice for intimate, innovative Japanese izakaya-style tapas. Its small, wooden atmosphere is actually better suited to a calmer weeknight, allowing you to focus on the delectable, bite-sized dishes. Plus, they offer free corkage on Monday evenings!

• Kolae: This stunning spot serves up vibrant, wood-fired Southern Thai flavours in a gorgeous former coach house. London Bridge is full of amazing places, but if you're looking for flavour and flair, get yourself here on a Monday.

• Chishuru: The ultimate Monday hero. West African food has been making its debut in the London scene for the last couple years, and Joke's spot absolutely delivers. The beautiful colourful room, the delectable spices, and fun and elegant feel makes you want to come back again and again. They are closed entirely on the weekends, focusing all their energy on the Monday to Friday crowd. She is the first Black female chef in the UK to gain a Michelin star (and second in the world).

• Toklas: The unassuming, understated, chic Mediterranean spot with great food, natural wines, and a vibey room that any of you should try. It also has its own bakery and a great outside spot for the summer sun. Near the Strand, it feels like an oasis of calm even on a busy day, making it heavenly on a Monday night.