Betjemans

Betjman's Wine Bar and Restaurant could well be termed as a hidden gem, located behind St. Bart's church, just around the bustling Smithfield Market. This charming restaurant has an unobtrusive facade and could easily be missed if you're not looking for it directly. Ah, but what a loss that would be, because once you enter this restaurant, named after Sir John Betjman the former poet Laureate whose house was just above, chances are that you will leave with a firmly fixed smile. Stripped wooden floors, dark furniture and pale cream walls create a delicate balance in the decor that speaks of subtlety and refined taste.

Their menu might feature seared scallops with crispy bacon, cucumber and lemon butter sauce amongst the starters, followed by fillet of sweet trout, grilled sweet potato and braised fennel. Finish with a vanilla cheesecake, lavishly topped with strawberries or something from their British cheese selection that arrives with biscuits and chutney. Wines at Betjman's are excellent and are available by the bottle or glass.