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THE PANEL
Our lunch club panel eats out most days, usually on business. Emma Barker is head of regional programmes for Carlton TV. Jennifer Sharp is director of promotions for The National Magazine Company and frequently lunches with her Harpers & Queen hat on. Richard Beswick, editorial director at publisher Little, Brown, entertains agents and authors. Max Clifford, publicist, works in the West End and doesn't always want the media to know who he's lunching with. Artist Tracey Emin never eats at home. Stefano Hatfield is editor-in-chief of Campaign magazine and lunches in Hammersmith every working day, and again at weekends with his family.
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THE SQUARE
A favourite with power-lunching captains of industry, The Square might well ring the changes with The Connaught or Claridges, says Jennifer Sharp. One of London's most highly rated restaurants, it's expensive without being stuffy, and it also has a private room for top-level confabs over exquisite food. "Definitely in the top echelon," concurs Stefano Hatfield.
Where and when: 6-10 Bruton Street, W1 (020-7495 7100) Mon-Fri 12- 2.30pm, 6.30-10.45pm, Sat 6.30-10.45pm, Sun 6.30-9.45pm. Green Park
How much: Two-course lunch pounds 20, three-course pounds 25, also three-course lunch or dinner pounds 45; six-course dinner pounds 65; vegetarian menu dinner pounds 45.
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SOUP WORKS
This small chain offers soups for around pounds 3, the best- sellers being chicken, sweet potato and coconut, or tomato, aubergine and roasted red pepper. The summer menu includes cold butternut squash and apple, or Ukrainian borscht served chilled. They also have a selection of noodle dishes.
Where and when: 9 D'Arblay Street, Soho W1 (020-7439 7687) Mon- Fri 8am- 5pm. Oxford Circus. Also at Monmouth Street, WC2 (020-7240 7687) Covent Garden; 56 Goodge Street, W1 (020-7637 7687) Goodge Street; 15 Moor Street, W1 (020-7734 7687) Leicester Square/ Tottenham Court Road
How much: Cheapest daily blue pot plus bread and fruit pounds 2.50. Medium- size alternatives less than pounds 3.
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MARIE'S CAFe
Marie's looks like a caff straight out of the Fifties, but step inside and you'll find a few Thai dishes - chicken stirfry, green curry - on the lunchtime menu alongside staples of breakfast and pies (shepherd's and others), stews and chops with two veg. For afters, there's apple pie with custard....