London North Greenwich Restaurant Guide

A superb waterside position and outside terrace, with gorgeous Thames views over to The O2 earns a spot in the guide for this “warm and inviting historic pub”. It is run by Fullers nowadays, and is not as notable as the days (ten years ago) when it commanded lots of attention as part of ETM Group. But as an escape from Canary Wharf or for a scenic Sunday roast it’s still worth a trip.

Gordon Ramsay’s four-year-old fast-food chain – one of several diffusion brands from the TV chef – has half a dozen sites across the capital. Views on it have always been somewhat mixed and became even more polarised this year: between those who consider it “a great new discovery” and those who feel it’s “disappointing for an upmarket burger”.

“Cheap as chips, but great value” – this “good-quality” self-service Japanese noodle chain (bowls start at under £5) also offers “excellent” katsu curry with rice and tempura. There’s “no fancy service” – “you wait in line with a full view of the chefs preparing the food, which arrives fresh and hot”. It has eight outlets in London, one in Reading – and 800+ in Japan, where it’s based. Top Tip – there are smaller bowls for kids, plus Japanese ‘Ramune’ lemonade.