Restaurants

The Spitalfields outpost of St John is decorated in much the same way as the Smithfield original, with whitewashed walls and simple wooden chairs and tables. Similarly, service is both friendly and professional, and many dishes appear on both menus. The atmosphere here is somewhere between bar and restaurant, making it the perfect place to drink a glass or two of wine while picking away at smoked sprats and horseradish or the wonderfully chewy own-made bread, or trying something more substantial such as grilled plaice, duck livers on toast, or beautifully savoury lentils with courgettes and crème fraîche. Sweet things run from half a dozen madeleines to chocolate terrine with cherries, though we rarely make it past the divine eccles cake with lancashire cheese. Breakfast has a Middle White bacon sandwich for under a fiver, though you could have porridge, or toast and honey. From 11am, seed cake with a glass of Madeira becomes a possibility. The French wine list is unintimidating and there’s plenty of help on hand if you can’t decide. As with the bread and cakes, bottles are available as off-sales.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008