Quality Chop House, The

The Quality Chop House offers no-nonsense British food in dignified, historic surroundings at prices that are reasonable, a reliable classic of its kind that will bring you back again and again. Built in the 1870s by noted architect, Sir Roland Plumbe, the Quality Chop House is a rare survivor of the late nineteenth century chop houses. Working class they may have been but the quality of their food was such that London gentlemen found them a welcome alternative to the clubs and pubs of the day.

Nine bays of oak benches and tables are sturdily secured to the building, and the stained glass windows proclaim 'London's Noted Cup of Tea'. It comes as a relief to discover that there is a wine list that offers a thoughtfully assembled range of bins from around the world, which might induce more cheer than the English cup of tea, good though it may be.

The main menu operates throughout from midday, with starters that could include devilled lamb's kidneys on toast, jellied eels, anchovy and tomato salad or potted shrimps, followed by battered pollock and chips, and grilled calf's liver and bacon, with mash and onion gravy. Pies have always been a staple part of the British diet, so watch out for the steak and kidney pie served with mashed potatoes.

Simple dishes such as corned beef hash with a fried egg, or their noted salmon fishcakes with sorrel sauce are the best, particularly if you are in a hurry, so often the case in these hectic times. A good array of side dishes yields such treats as mixed leaf salad, new potatoes, spinach or Savoy cabbage. Amongst the desserts expect to find gooseberry fool, nougat glace with passion fruit coulis, and a delicious selection of English cheeses with fig chutney.

A sensible un-flashy wine list comes up with such jewels as a very decent rosé from Provenance, many bottles by the glass including champagne. New World winemakers plug into the expertise of the long established sources, particularly France. Try the Pinot Noir Tuatara Bay from New Zealand or the Foundstone un-oaked Chardonnay from Australia.

Quality Chop House is place for those who respect quality, unfussy food, and convivial surroundings.

Their excellent Website should prove to be a useful source of further information.