The best of the rest

Clifford Chance, law firm:

Provides breakfast, lunch and evening meals and notches up 1,400 sales a day. Head of services Keith Toms says, "We serve a huge range of food items from sandwiches to a carvery. Our aim is to produce food cheaper than that available outside and of better quality. Food is available in the evening because our staff sometimes work 14 or 16 hours a day and we have to look after them." The firm also boasts a shop where staff can stock up on emergency groceries such as loo roll s and cat food, get photographs developed, order flowers or rent a video.

Coopers & Lybrand:

Extensive choice from healthy options to a carvery plus a "deli" area for bespoke sandwiches. Staff can sit in a stylish atrium area with street cafe furniture and white canvas umbrellas.

Arthur Andersen:

"Our staff restaurant has been described as very Conran, the food looks like something you would get in a good restaurant and is served on Wedgwood," says catering services supervisor Richard Petty. Food ranges from sandwiches to low-fat, high-fibre meals to a carvery. Holds regular theme days such as Brazilian day, where catering staff provide authentic fare and a Brazilian band entertains diners.

TBWA Simons Palmer, advertising agency

Vibrant reception area is a cafe bar with free breakfasts and coffee all day. No lunches, but a free bar every evening between 6pm and 9pm. Chief executive officer Paul Simons says: "It's not just our staff who use it, clients between meetings also pop in - it has a really buzzy atmosphere."

Imagination, communications consultants:

Stylish staff restaurant called "Gary's" - named after the company's founder Gary Withers. White linen tablecloths, good china and potted palms. Dishes include lemon and tarragon fishcakes and pork, sage and apple casserole. Turns into a winebar in the evenings.

Framestore, TV Post Production:

Based in London's Soho, Framestore's pavement-level cafe looks so good that members of the public try to gatecrash. Client services director Jane White says: "We provide breakfasts, lunch and supper for our staff and clients - all completely free."