Restaurant at St Paul's, The

Every year, new architectural marvels compete fiercely for the spotlight in London's skyline but there are others that rest quietly in their uniqueness and manage to dominate the scene with little effort. St Paul's Cathedral is one of those buildings, wooing thousands of Londoners and tourists alike every week with its brilliant architecture, intricate design and glorious history. Whether you marvel at the mosaics or reflect your life's journey where Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer once walked down the aisle, there's much to experience within the awe-inspiring walls of this centuries-old monument.

Once you've explored every fascinating detail, progress to The Restaurant at St Paul's to recollect and organize your thoughts over fresh and impeccably cooked British food. The ambience is relaxing with an air of sophistication and set against such a spectacular backdrop, it is commonplace for visitors to get lost in the surrounding beauty.

The service can be described as highly-professional and responsive without being intrusive. A spacious dining area ensures that crowds are never a problem and even on those rare occasions when everyone seems to be scrambling for seats, rest assured that you will never be rushed through a meal.

Ideal for both light bites as well as full-fledged leisurely meals, the menu at St. Paul's is a blend of delicate flavours and robust tastes, it changes frequently so we have used typical examples. Britain Royale, Carter's English sparkling wine and Pimms, and the unusual homemade pork scratchings make excellent accompaniments to your soulful reveries.

Once you've worked up a good appetite, begin with something like pressed rabbit with carrot relish, or treacle cured salmon and watercress, which could set the rhythm for a follow-up of Trigger Farm Barnsley chop with homemade mint jelly and Jersey Royals. If you're in the mood for something lighter, try the warm Brookland Farm chicken salad with radicchio and sherry currant dressing. Vegetarians may find a comforting refuge in a starter of Montgomery cheddar and onion pie, with a main course of Portobello mushroom Wellington and spinach.

For dessert, every pudding sounds equally delectable, so choosing any one of the sweet indulgences could prove to be a difficult task. After all, it's not everyday that you might encounter a gooseberry cobbler with pouring cream; lemon posset with Pimms berries and thyme flower shortbread, or a Regent's Park honey ice and gingerbread sandwich.

Although the wine list is concise, it offers several choices from across the globe, and you might want to take another stroll around the cathedral before you return to the restaurant for afternoon tea. As you sip your Earl Grey and bite into delicious homemade British cakes at The Restaurant at St. Paul's, you realise you're in the right place for a much needed absolution.

For information about their current menu, wine list and upcoming events, do check their Website.