Shaka Zulu

Shaka Zulu is the largest South African restaurant in London, though in reality, "restaurant" doesn't quite do it justice. The massive venue in Camden's Stables Market also spans a bar and a club, with plenty of entertainment of all sorts and for all crowds.

It was launched in 2010 with a special royal blessing from His Royal Highness Goodwill Zwelithini, the eighth King of the Zulu nation, and the lower floor of the restaurant pays tribute with a display of 20ft high warrior statues. Meticulously carved wood panelling covers the walls and ceiling, complemented by an abundance of animal print fabrics and tribal patterns for full effect – even more impressively, everything was designed and shipped from South Africa.

The so-called "Theatre of Food" comes alive in the two open-plan kitchens of Shaka Zulu's restaurant space. There is an emphasis on South African cuisine as is to be expected, with dishes such as Rooibos smoked salmon and beef bobotie interspersed with more commonplace offerings, such as Cornish crab salad or risotto. A tip for adventurous meat lovers: you might want to cast an eye over the exotic meats section featuring animals such as buffalo and crocodile.

If you're looking for lighter fare, there's a Champagne & Oyster Bar as well as a Cocktail Lounge on the mezzanine, providing a panoramic view of the venue and the night's entertainment – all sorts of live performances, from dancers and jugglers to live music – to go with your drinks and bar bites. The entertainment is turned up a notch in the venue's King's Club during the weekends.