Bankside, British, Traditional Restaurant Guide

2021 Review: “A great view of the river and very competent cuisine” makes this would-be Elizabethan tavern – on the first floor of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre – “a delightful find on the tourist trail”. Chef Allan Pickett sticks sensibly to modern British rather than cod-historical cooking.

2021 Review: “A firm favourite for breakfast and brunch in Southwark” – this café-style fixture a short stroll from Tate Modern serves “a great menu to suit all tastes”, and fans say it’s “unbeatable”.

2021 Review: “Why can’t they get it right?” in the cheaper section of this South Bank landmark. “The view is superb, the setting is relaxing… if only the food lived up to it”.

2021 Review: “It feels as if one has been decanted into the 1920s but I never fail to enjoy my visits!” – “This unique City institution has a charm and authenticity that can’t be imitated” – a “joyous throwback” (founded, on a different site, in 1830) which offers “simple, well-executed British seafood classics” (followed by steamed puddings) at lunchtimes only, to a largely besuited crowd. The “eclectic seating arrangements” can “be a surprise to newbies” – you either perch at “makeshift bar-tops”, or cram into the rear dining room where “service is hindered by the lack of room, but everyone mucks in and plates get passed around”. “The waiters are nearly as old as the building, but that just adds to its appeal…”. “Black Velvet is served in pewter tankards, and a ‘bill of fare’ serves instead of a menu”. The experience comes at “ridiculous prices”, but most reckon they’re worth paying… “and the place does now take cards”.

2021 Review: This business-friendly venue overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral is part of the D&D London operation and offers “pretty good steaks” cooked over charcoal, although the “ridiculous prices” have sometimes detered all but expense account diners (and maybe also TV fans, as the show First Dates has been filmed here for the past six years). In November 2020, its moving sticks to a new site a short walk away due to the refurbishment of its current site.

2021 Review: “Nice views of Borough Market, if you get a window seat” (“watch out for the trains on the adjoining viaduct that appear to be coming towards you”) add to the considerable appeal of this “light and airy dining space” (which atmospherically incorporates a converted glazed portico, originally part of the Royal Opera House). Specialising in British cuisine – particularly roast meats – most reports say the food is “brilliant”, but there remains a sceptical view that it’s “less-than-good home cooking”. Top Menu Tip – breakfast and brunch have long been a very reliable experience here.