One of the worst-kept secrets South of the river lies a stone’s throw from the Young and the Old Vic, not looking much from the outside, since 2003. But past the claret dining room heavy curtains, it’s the perfect gastropub by Rob Shaw and Jonathan Jones (St. John), a sweet mix of seasonal Modern Brit and Mediterranean twists, served family-style along natural wines.

Under the watch of Aldous Eveleigh’s colourful paintings, sit on mismatched chapel chairs around the shared tables, before attacking the worker’s lunch-a steal: sharp roast peppers, anchovies and capers; peppy lentils topped with a massive cotechino sausage and salsa verde; soft homemade caramel ice cream… Also have your eye on the dishes to share like the classic Sunday roast, the steaming suet crusted steak pie or the cheerful sticky toffee pudding.

Valentine Benoist

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