Not a member?
Unlock unique privileged access to the UK’s best restaurants and members’ clubs when you join Harden's ClubBreaking news
September 2020: the sibling restaurant at The ICA has closed.
Harden's survey result
Summary
Margot Henderson (wife of St John’s Fergus) and Melanie Arnold’s “charming” converted school bike shed near Spitalfields elicits lyrical praise from fans of their “great” British cooking – even if some reporters flinch at the “exorbitant wine list”. Ratings have rebounded after last year’s dip, possibly caused by the pair’s takeover of the ICA’s catering. “My last meal would be Rochelle Canteen’s mince on dripping toast with horseradish and watercress, and a magnificent bottle of wine”. Top Tip – “pleasant garden in good weather”.
Summary
The bike sheds of a former school near Spitalfields – converted by Melanie Arnold and Margot Henderson (wife of St John’s Fergus) – are “a relaxed and leafy garden space, and romantic too” – “perfect for a summer lunch”. It remains a favourite East End destination for those in the know on account of its simple, short menu of quality British fare but – coincidental with their opening at the ICA – ratings waned here this year, with more middling feedback and the odd “unsatisfactory meal”.
Summary
“A hidden treat” in Spitalfields – this offbeat (and on a sunny day “amazing”), venue from Melanie Arnold and Margot Henderson – wife of St John’s Fergus – occupies the converted bike sheds of a former school (“just lovely on a summer’s day sitting outside in what was the playground, now a walled courtyard”) and offers “simple, well-cooked food for those in-the-know” (NB it’s no longer BYO, they now have a license). In September 2017, a new ‘Rochelle’ was announced taking over the bar/café at the ICA on the Mall – spiritually speaking, the two locations seem poles apart.
Restaurant details
Rochelle Canteen Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Warm-hearted service and style. Good food (excellent fish and dessert) without challenging any heights. The presence of a dog at the next table was something of a surprise. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £31.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £1.50 |
| Service | 12.50% |
16 Playground Gardens, London, E2 7ES
Opening hours
| Monday | 9 am‑5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am‑5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am‑5 pm |
| Thursday | 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am‑5 pm |
Best British, Modern restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Shoreditch
British, Modern restaurant in Shoreditch
British, Modern restaurant in Shoreditch
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
Fusion restaurant in Shoreditch
British, Modern restaurant in Shoreditch
Mediterranean restaurant in Shoreditch
