5th View

The buzzy, refurbished café topping Waterstone’s art deco flagship store may specialise in freshly cooked tarts (asparagus or crab, lemon and chive), but these had run out by the time we arrived at 1.30pm. Instead, there was a brash rocket salad with focaccia croutons, brie, chorizo and smoked chicken, and a pleasant platter of serrano ham that was unexpectedly pale in hue and flavour. From the dessert table, a nicely sharp berry tart nudged ahead of a somewhat flaccid rhubarb version, but both were rather institutional (catering is courtesy of Digby Trout, which works at a score of London venues, including Southwark Cathedral and the British Museum). Things get livelier on the drinks menu; two dozen interesting bottled beers (Dos Equis and Negra Modello alongside the tediously familiar Corona) and an impressive list of cocktails make this a good spot for an after-work drink or a pre-theatre pit-stop. The view offers more rooftops than sights, although the top of the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament are easily discerned – perfectly diverting, but hardly the ‘sweeping view… towards Big Ben’ promised by the website.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008

Services:

Child facilities: Babies and children welcome (until 5pm): high chairs
Disabled: lift; toilet
Function room: Separate room for parties, seats 60

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