Bars & Pubs

Via swing doors at the back of this attractive Shoreditch pub (lacquered white furniture, a piano bedecked with board games in the corner), youll reach the upstairs dining room. Photographs of school groups and cricket teams on the staircase make way for framed maps and cartographers trinkets in the smart, high-ceilinged first-floor space (its appropriately named the Geography Room). A private room next door seats 12 around a big round table, and is great for parties. Food is carefully prepared and reliable; portions are large. We started with just-right asparagus not too crunchy, not too soft. A main of lamb cutlets was the highlight: no less than six fleshy, tender pieces, accompanied by tomatoes roasted on the vine. A broad bean and parmesan linguine flavoured with mint was more pedestrian. For dessert, a brownie was moist and rich, improved by a dollop of mascarpone. Ten or so wines of each colour are all available by the glass. Back downstairs theres a separate bar menu (the likes of wild boar and apple sandwich) and three real ales on tap. If a pint of Black Sheep or Flowers IPA doesnt appeal, you can always pet the friendly pub cat, Harry.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008