Harden's survey result
Summary
This “brilliant old-style chophouse” in a City courtyard is “absolutely unique” – and has served classic roasts, grills and a signature “stewed cheese” pudding to a besuited clientele for more than 250 years (although its claim that Samuel Pepys was a customer is stretching it: the diarist had been dead for half a century by the time Thomas Simpson opened for business in 1757!). It is only open for lunch and breakfast – so it’s naturally the “best location for a full English”.
Summary
“Like stepping back in time” – this “prehistoric eatery in the City” (est 1757) has “an incredible atmosphere” and is “old-fashioned in a way we can rejoice in”. The Dickensian menu of “traditional English” chops and roasts, steak ’n’ kidney pies and ‘stewed cheese’ on solid ratings in the last survey – and is “not for those with a small appetite”. Top Tip – “this ancient spot dishes up a top Full English”.
Summary
“Like stepping back in time” – this “prehistoric eatery in the City” (est 1757) has “an incredible atmosphere” and is “old-fashioned in a way we can rejoice in”. The Dickensian menu of “traditional English” chops and roasts, steak ’n’ kidney pies and ‘stewed cheese’ wins solid ratings this year – and is “not for those with a small appetite”. Top Tip – “this ancient spot dishes up a top Full English”.
Summary
“Olde English tradition lives on” at this ancient chophouse down a picturesque alleyway: a City institution dating from 1757. “It could be a museum of the British restaurant” with its “engaging service that treats you like one of the boys”, Dickensian interior and “authentic period food”, including daily roasts and house special ‘stewed cheese’.
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
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Restaurant details
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £19.75 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.20 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
38 1/2 Ball Ct, Cornhill, London, EC3V 9DR
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 11:30 am‑3:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am‑3:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am‑3:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am‑3:30 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am‑3:30 pm |
| Saturday | CLOSED |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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