Central London Restaurant for night out with old friends

[Misseeeee]

I'm meeting up with a couple of friends I've not seen for a few years. We'd like to go for a meal/few drinks in London, not too pricey but prefer not a chain restaurant as that defeats the object of going into town! Thinking something like Browns Covent Garden (which I know is part of a chain!) but have been there quite a lot so would prefer to try somewhere else. Would like a good atmosphere but not so noisy we can't have a conversation - last time we met it was a place with a Chinese Elvis and we couldn't hear each other over the din!

Lastly, would be good if near other bars/pubs for before/after.

Thank you

Cafe Murano in Covent Garden

Loop Bar is pretty cheap and cheerful with decent food and a dance floor downstairs with good atmosphere. It's near Bond St tube so really central:

www.theloopbar.co.uk

Chotto Matte is a bit more upmarket, great food and bar and right in the middle of Soho:

www.chotto-matte.com

Cafe Espana on Old Compton Street is mid range and does delicious paella if that's your thing. Also in the middle of soho. (Doesn't seem to have a website)

Thank you - will check these out

Probably too late now but Brasserie Zedel is fab. Huge underground Art Deco restaurant with attached American Bar and Cabaret. Check out the amazing toilets!