Lilly's Restaurant

Lilly's is a friendly neighbourhood restaurant located in Wapping, offering a range of hearty as well as lighter dishes, with a separate cocktail menu and bar in addition to the main dining area, the restaurant is the ideal place for a quick lunch, a relaxed drink or a leisurely dinner with friends. The restaurant accommodates 110 people in various seating areas, from dark wood tables and chairs, to leather banquettes separated by frosted glass partition screens.

Decorated in deep plum and cream, with an eclectic mix of stylish light fittings including eye-catching chandeliers, the restaurant has the warm and welcoming feel of a New York brasserie. Owner Simon Binder, whose career includes founding the Café Med chain and a brief period as Managing Director of Groupe Chez Gérard, says his philosophy behind Lilly's is simple, "I really wanted to open a good, neighbourhood restaurant that would be the kind of place I would want to go to if I lived locally". In other words, somewhere which offers excellent food and service in a comfortable and informal setting.

The menu features a range of dishes, catering for all appetites at all times of the day. Diners can choose from a selection of starters, dishes from the grill, platters to share, mains from the kitchen, sandwiches and salads and daily changing lunch specials.

All dishes from the grill are served with mashed potato or chips, and include an 8oz homemade burger with pickles; fillet steak with Bearnaise sauce; and marinated rump of lamb with rich gravy. A daily changing fish special is also available.

Other recommended dishes are onion soup with cheddar toast; smoked mackerel pâté with baby capers; duck confit with mash and gravy; open tart of winter vegetables and ricotta; and honeycomb vanilla ice-cream with hot chocolate sauce.

For those wanting to catch up with friends or family over the weekend, the Lilly's brunch menu offers a full English breakfast; beans on toast; eggs Florentine; and sausage and mash. This menu is served alongside the à la carte menu on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am - 5pm.

The compact wine list features a selection of wines from around the world, most priced at under £40. Wines are also available by the glass from £3.90.

The restaurant's separate bar area is slightly raised above the main part of the restaurant and gives guests the opportunity to sample a cocktail from the drinks menu before their meal or if they choose, they can enjoy their meal in the sofa-style seating and low tables located near the bar or at the bar stools. This is the only smoking area in the restaurant.