Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

Located at Exchange Place on Appold Street, The White Horse is minutes away from Moorgate Tube Station and Liverpool Street Rail Station. In the heart of London's financial district, and just a short walk from the Barbican Centre, The White Horse offers a cosy British pub ambience with a stylish blend of contemporary and rustic décor that mixes classic leather armchairs with rugged work benches. A secluded terrace is perfect for al fresco dining in warmer weather. Guests can select from an international cuisine menu which includes signature versions of classic pub favourites.
 
Breakfast is served Monday to Friday from 7.30 am and offers choice that ranges from continental pastries including croissant, pan au chocolate and muffins, or a more substantial bowl of Scotch porridge. Other choices include eggs Benedict, toasted crumpets with butter, and smoked salmon and scrambled egg on toast all accompanied by breakfast tea, cappuccino, espresso, hot chocolate or a range of soft drinks. For something more substantial try the Full City Breakfast.

A meal from the a la carte menu could begin with starters of smoked salmon served with artichoke salsa and brown bread; Cromer crab on toast with poached egg and horseradish hollandaise; or blue cheese and spinach tart with mixed leaves. Follow with main course of the White Horse cheese burger with hand cut chips and relish; pearl barley risotto with wild mushroom and pumpkin; roast salmon with herb crust, creamed leeks, cabbage and new potatoes or roast Norfolk chicken with warm salad of new potatoes and bacon. Don't miss perennial pub favourites of haddock and chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce, Cumberland sausages with mash and onion gravy, beef and Guinness pie with creamy mash and roast carrots and rib eye on the bone with béarnaise, bone marrow and hand cut chips.

The pub also serves a choice of sandwiches on crusty bloomer or wholemeal bread includes chicken and bacon, West Country cheddar cheese and Branston pickle and crayfish and prawn wrap with Marie Rose sauce. For a quick lunch try the plat rapides which offers two or three courses served together on one large slate such as the Fishmongers board which includes market fresh Valley farm smoked salmon, smoked mackerel pate, shell on prawns, home-made fish fingers and luxurious Jersey rock oysters.

Alternatively chill out at the smart bar with your favourite drink in hand and a range of tasty snacks such as pork pie, raw vegetables with flat bread and hummus, cold roast chicken, salt and pepper squid or artichokes on toast.

The globally representative wine list includes fine examples of champagne and sparkling, whites and reds including Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Le Coq Rouge, Terres du Sud Grenache, Côtes-du-Rhône and Veuve Clicquot. There's also a selection of real ales, bottled beers, spirits and liqueurs.

The White Horse is available for private hire, be it a wedding reception, birthday party or corporate event, on a Saturday or Sunday for up to 80 seated or 180 standing guests. It's also available for group dinners and drinks bookings Monday to Friday.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.

The most interesting aspect of the Tony Thomas designed Caravaggio restaurant is the real sense of time and space, with its ornate ceiling and Art Deco light fixtures, in what was once a bank. Italian renaissance is best known for renewed interest in the culture of interlocked civilizations and features many prominent names such as Caravaggio; fast forward to the present day and you have a restaurant in London as a tribute to the man himself.

A long marble topped bar at the entrance is a popular spot for single diners while the existing gallery at the mezzanine level has now been extended to provide a second tier of tables. From the large windows and lamps to the warm yellow tones, everything feels both new and old at the same time. This may probably be the reason why it?s a firm favourite among the list of who's who in England.

The smartly attired front of house team, under the able supervision of their manager Andrés Cabrera, are adept in turning around people with little time to spare, even inside an hour if that is what they want; though, in fact, most of the patrons who are drawn to Caravaggio usually wish to linger a little longer over lunch, particularly if they want to clinch a deal.

Chef Jonathan Lees has crafted a menu, which displays unflinching loyalty to Italy. Caravaggio's commitment to fresh ingredients is evident in the fact that they employ a buyer to search out the very best, instead of relying on less focused suppliers. Which explains why the pasta is perfect and the risotto, a revelation.

Parmigiano herb crusted seared beef carpaccio with celery and parmesan or poached asparagus with sautéed quail eggs and Hollandaise sauce could be followed by linguine with fresh seafood tossed in a tomato sauce with garlic and chilli or risotto with tiger prawns and spring onions. Fish lovers could plump for the grilled swordfish with sauce vierge, or roasted fillet of salmon with oregano, parsley and Jersey Royal potatoes.

Meat dishes include grilled breast of chicken with a chicory and mange tout salad and 28 day matured Scotch rib-eye, sliced and char-grilled with béarnaise and thick cut chips. It's worth leaving room for a bitter chocolate mousse with vanilla ice cream or the rhubarb panna cotta. If choosing a glass of wine from the extensive list proves too irksome then just pop a question to the knowledgeable sommelier, who would be happy to help.

If you've been awe-struck by the famous works of art by Italian painters and sculptors and wish to see similar dedication and innovation closer to home, then step in to Caravaggio where people aim to demonstrate the same in the food and drink they serve. For full menus and wine list, visit their Website, which also has details about holding private functions there in the evenings and at the weekend.

Cinnamon Tree on Exmouth Market offers guests an Indian cuisine menu in a vibrant contemporary setting in the bustling heart of Clerkenwell. Close to Saddlers Wells and the Old Red Lion Theatre, it's the perfect spot for a pre or post-theatre dinner. Farringdon Rail Station and Angel Tube Station are also with walking distance.

Whet the appetite with starters of duck tikka, breast of duck marinated in light spices and grilled in the tandoor over charcoal; tender lamb chops marinated in yoghurt, cream, cheese and ginger and grilled in the tandoor or king prawn puri, a classic dish of king prawns stir fried in a medium spicy sauce and served with deep fried puffed thin bread.

From the tandoor or charcoal grill there are specialities such as tandoori trout, whole rainbow trout marinated overnight in ginger, garlic, crushed spices; sheek kebab of pungently spiced minced lamb seasoned with lemon juice, mint, coriander and onion and chicken shashlick marinated in spices and barbequed with peppers, onions and tomatoes.

For the main course why not try one of the chef's specials including garlic chicken chilli masala, shank of lamb marinated with herbs and spices and roasted in the oven, or roop chand bhuna a traditional fish dish of Indian Ocean silver pomfret marinated and pan fried with garlic, onion, tomato, spices and herbs. A variety of Balti specialities, vegetarian dishes and aromatic biryanis are also offered on the à la carte.

A sumptuous deluxe set menu for two delivers starters of poppadom, tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, sheikh kebab, lamb tikka and king prawn and mains of butter chicken, prawn bhuna, vegetable curry, pilau rice and naan followed by dessert and coffee.
The drinks menu offers a variety of aperitifs, white and red wines as well as beers such as Cobra, Kingfisher and Tiger.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.

The White Swan in Fetter Lane between the City of London and Holborn is one of those transformations that works, it is instantly recognisable by its flavour, and its formidable ambience that casts a spell from the moment you enter. Converted from a former pub to what is popularly called a gastropub, offering modern British food, the transition is almost unbelievable, with smart wooden floors that resist the temptation to be chic, plenty of high quality woodwork in the detail, well ventilated when required and a light airy lofty dining room with floor to ceiling windows.

A ground floor pub pays homage to the traditional element and fresh flowers add a touch of that extra mile feeling. Free parking is available in Fetter Lane after 6.30pm Monday-Friday, after 1.30 on Saturdays and all day Sunday. Three NCPs are all within easy distance.

Even in these days of financial gloom people still eat lunch, and the White Swan is near enough to the City to be handy for those looking for style coupled with value. The magic number is six, so plenty of choices through all three courses and side dishes with a typical midday meal of rabbit terrine, prunes, figs, pickled girolles and hazelnut dressing followed by whole roasted lemon sole, clams, tomato, samphire and Jersey Royal potatoes, perhaps with some hand cut chips, peas and bacon or braised radishes to accompany.

This being essentially a City pub there is a highly worthy cheese board from Britain and France, and a choice of tempting desserts that includes milk chocolate ganache with cinnamon and raspberry doughnuts, or Eton Mess.

The evening menu follows much the same modern British direction, in the dishes, such as fine tart of mackerel, baby onions, black olive tapenade and balsamic accompanied by pan fried skirt steak, braised cheek, artichoke barigoule and bone marrow before ending with peanut butter parfait with Kirsch cherries.
 
Some dining room dishes are singled out for inclusion in an attractive bar menu, which also offers such sound brasserie numbers as fine tart of mackerel served with baby onions, black olive tapenade and balsamic, and Spanish olives followed by Atlantic cod and organic salmon fishcake with greens and tarragon butter sauce. An interesting list of homemade ice creams speaks for itself.

Fine food and wine evenings are a regular feature, though it has to be said that every evening has its merits. The menu has the feel of having been honed on the basis of what customers want rather than the other way round and whilst this is always a welcome sign the ailing economy seems to be lending it even more emphasis.

The White Swan is well able to cope with the demands of private events any day or night of the week. Spread over three floors it can be hired as a whole, for 150 people, with a 3am licence available at weekends, or piecemeal to suit smaller parties from 20 to 100. Dj nights are speciality.

Weddings as an item have changed for the better, and The White Swan will be more than happy to look after the arrangements for your reception at Fetter Lane. A maximum of 52 can eat a sit-down meal, or 24 for a seated buffet. A standing reception for 150 guests is a doddle, and if by any chance you are getting married at Islington Town Hall you are only a mere 15 minutes from the action.

For further details of this excellent and attractive pub and dining room a quick click on their Website should answer all your queries.

Hawksmoor Guildhall offers a premium steak experience to diners in contemporary surroundings in the heart of the City of London. Close to the Guildhall Art Gallery and Clockmakers Museum, the restaurant is just a short walk from Moorgate Tube Station with Liverpool Street a little further.

The restaurant's spacious interior is artfully decorated in shades of dark brown and cream, complete with wood panelling and luxurious leather banquette seating, encouraging guests to unwind after a busy day at work. Hawksmoor is just a short walk from possibly the site of the world's first steakhouse named Dolly's, renowned for serving some of the best steaks of the age, whose illustrious list of clientele included literary giants such as Defoe, Swift, Boswell and Pope.

Hawksmoor proves a worthy successor to Dolly's, placing great emphasis on sourcing the highest quality meat from Longhorn cattle reared in North Yorkshire. Like it's illustrious predecessor the restaurant barely shuts its doors long enough for the gridiron to cool so diners can kickstart their day with a hearty Hawksmoor breakfast of smoked bacon chop, sausages, black pudding, short-rib bubble and squeak, grilled bone marrow, trotter baked beans, fried eggs, grilled mushrooms, roast tomatoes and toast for two to share.

The dinner menu offers starters of half a Dorset blue lobster with hazelnut butter, potted Longhorn beef and plum pudding bacon and veal tartare. Follow on with a selection of steaks with exquisite cuts such as bone-in prime rib, porterhouse and chateaubriand. Gregarious diners could choose the meat feasts to share, including a mixed grill for 2 or 3, and the tongue to tail beef 8-course tasting menu for up to 10 people. Bear in mind that the restaurant will require 48 hours notice to prepare group menus.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own wine on Mondays for a small corkage fee and keep an eye open for the Hawksmoor Steak and Wine Matching events where the restaurant staff will happily advise you on the best cut to accompany your chosen bottle. Hawmskoor's own wine list delivers a superb variety of fine reds, whites, dessert and fortified wines from around the world.

With a private dining room that can accommodate 22 people, Hawksmoor Guildhall is an ideal place to host special occasions, and their event management team would be happy to help you plan the event.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.

Founded on one of the most illustrious chains of curry houses in Pakistan, where it has provided excellent food for over 5 decades, the time has now come for expansion and the first Bundu Khan in Britain, only a short distance from the celebrated Spitalfields Market, has turned its attention to a new clientele.
 
This includes eating on the go, relax and dine in, giving high style to an office meeting or hosting a special event. One of the problems of eating really creditable Indian food these days is the difficulty in finding any. Plenty of Indian restaurants but for whatever the reason not that same zing factor that made an Indian night out something to really relish. Bundu Khan has all the trappings of up to the minute quality about it, combined with food that demands respect and comes from fresh sources, then cooked fresh to order. It is a restatement of the faith.
 
Amongst the starters expect to find bihari boti kabab, tender pieces of lamb left top marinate in the traditional Bihari spices, and barbecued on skewers in the tandoor  - always a house speciality at Bundu Khan. This makes a welcome for even the most hardened non vegetarian, and the simpler butterfly jhinga with king prawns marinated in herbs and spices, rolled in breadcrumbs and lightly pan fried, does well for those who like combining the simple with the exotic.
 
Until you dig deeper you may at first feel that some of the names you are seeing, shall we say Rogan josh with its tender grass-fed lamb cubes, has more than a ring of the familiar. That is until the dish appears on your table, the aromas drift towards you and you are suddenly conscious of what you used to know, the excitement of those distinctive flavours converting the raw material of almost any country into something wholesome and appealing.
 
President Johnson may well have said, "it's the economy, stupid". Had he visited Bundu Khan he could well have substituted 'ingredients' for 'economy', and the celebration of time respected recipes joined with carefully selected food and freshness ensures a steady flow of contented customers for whom Bundu Khan means quality. Special care is paid towards the sort of seafood for which coastal areas like Karachi are renowned and a king prawn curry with fresh tomatoes, chopped onions, fragrant herbs and exotic spices draws on an ancient recipe of Bengali fisherfolk.
 
When it comes to matters of drink Bundu Khan takes a view that the customer knows best and a BYO policy operates. Not that this inhibits the non alcoholic cocktail bar, where the craft of the professional bartender is well recognised.
 
In keeping with a new generation of Indian restaurants the décor is uncluttered to the point of minimalism, not a breath of flock wallpaper to be seen and lighting that leaves no corner unlit but is soothing on the overall depth of illumination A spacious banqueting hall seats up to 120, and air conditioning ensures comfort at all times.
 
For anyone who is becoming slightly jaded over their Indian inclination I prescribe a visit to Bundu Khan with a few friends and plenty of time, where the opportunity to rebuild that well remembered craving can be coaxed back under admirable conditions. Consult their Website at any time for up to date information and news of their now-building Members Zone.

Simply put, Hawksmoor is a carnivore's paradise. There are few restaurants where such meticulous care is taken with the quality and preparation of their meat.  Hawksmoor's supplier, The Ginger Pig, is widely known for the superb quality of their traditionally reared beef (and other meat) and it's all put to best possible use here - simply cooked on a real charcoal grill.

Starters of Tamworth ribs, those friendly happy porkers who make the supreme sacrifice that we might enjoy - at least the poor blighters do not have to endure the trials and tribulations of old age - or perhaps fresh Cornish oysters or dressed Dorset crab will set your taste buds for the feast that is to come.

They boast there is no cut of meat they cannot produce for their customers, even if some need a little notice, but off the shelf there is bone-in sirloin, rib-eye and fillet. They also have bigger steaks to share including bone-in prime rib, porterhouse and Chateaubriand. Side dishes include chips (with béarnaise sauce, a must), macaroni cheese and lighter options such as a baby gem salad or creamed spinach.

Some say they also serve some of the best cocktails in London, so for those wanting to indulge in a pre/post dinner drink, have a leisurely read through their list which is made up of forgotten concoctions from lots of long out of print cocktail books.

The thing about the Hawksmoor is the reliability. There are no false claims, no culinary bravado, if they say they can do something it means just that. How refreshing in an age of mediocrity and excuses. Everything else about this rock solid watering hole and restaurant is of the same calibre. Go there with confidence and keen anticipation.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.

Located in the heart of London's financial district, The Door Oyster Bar and Grill on Cornhill offers fine wines and gourmet British cuisine in elegant interiors. Spread over two floors, the BGW Design Studio has created a classic ambience making full use of the buildings large windows which let the light flood in and offer great views of the hustle and bustle on Cornhill and Cowper's Court. Bank Tube Station is a stone's throw from The Door while iconic landmarks such as St. Paul's Cathedral and The Gherkin are a short walk away.

Carefully sourced fresh produce characterises the menu at The Door with diners greeted by a stunning display of oysters at the downstairs bar. The native, rock and Kumomoto oysters are sourced from the Blackwater Estuary in Colchester and include wild and farmed varieties. Whet the appetite with half a dozen along with your choice of champagne and cocktails, with the restaurant's expert mixologist adding a unique touch.

Guests can also enjoy delicious starters of Loch Duart oak-smoked salmon with horseradish cream and Melba toast; lobster salad with quail's egg, asparagus, baby watercress and lemon or Parma ham served with honey roasted fig and balsamic dressing. For the main course, they could relish beef Wellington with thyme jus, grilled cannon of lamb with pumpkin purée and rosemary jus or pan seared sea bass fillet with roasted plum tomatoes and rocket leaves.

Steaks are the restaurant's speciality with premium cuts of fillet, rib eye, rump, sirloin and T-bone sourced from grain and grass-fed Argentine Black Angus, Prime Angus/Hereford from the Midwest USA and Australian and Chilean wagyu beef as well as from selected farms across the UK.

Desserts of blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream, dark Callebut chocolate mousse or rhubarb jelly satisfies the sweetest tooth and brings the fine dining experience to a delectable climax.
 
A superb drinks menu includes an array of white and red wines, available by the glass or bottle, from across the world but with special focus on classic Mediterranean varieties.

The entire venue can be booked for private parties over the weekend with a bespoke menu to cater to that special occasion or event.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.

Housed in a former Watney Combe brewery in the heart of London's Theatreland, Hawksmoor is a stylish and vibrant steakhouse close to Covent Garden Tube Station. Located next door to the London Film School on Sheldon Street, just a short walk from the Donmar Warehouse and St. Martin's Theatre, the restaurant is perfect for a delicious meal before or after a show.

The elegant, spacious interior, complete with dark wood panelling, leather seating and feature lighting, provides a relaxed setting to enjoy a succulent steaks while the private room is ideal for a more intimate dining experience. You could also pop into the bar for a burger or unwind with colleagues whilst sipping on a glass of cocktail.

This former brewery also played host to an annual steak supper in 1807, hosted by the first owner Alderman Combe, and the guest list included the Duke of York and Prince of Wales. Hawksmoor has successfully continued the legacy and earned its reputation as one of the premier steakhouses in the capital by sourcing the highest quality meat from Longhorn cattle reared in North Yorkshire.

The dinner menu offers starters of half a Dorset blue lobster with hazelnut butter, potted smoked mackerel and steak tartare. Follow on with a selection of steaks with exquisite cuts such as bone-in prime rib, porterhouse and chateaubriand while desserts of sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream and Bramley apple pie with custard will sate diners with a sweet tooth. A 2 or 3 course express menu is perfect for those looking for a quick bite before or after a show.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own wine on Mondays for a small corkage fee and keep an eye open for the Hawksmoor Steak and Wine Matching events where the restaurant staff will happily advise you on the best cut to accompany your chosen bottle. Hawksmoor's own wine list delivers a superb variety of reds and whites from around the world.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.

Having served classic Italian trattoria fare for over 40 years, Taberna Etrusca in the heart of the City, continues to roll out old favourites to its loyal customers. With its unusual location, in the courtyard of St. Mary-Le-Bow church and its welcoming interiors of textured white walls, tiled floors and an open-beamed ceiling, Taberna Etrusca is a haven from the bustle of the city and in fine weather customers can take the opportunity to eat al fresco in the sunny courtyard to the rear of the restaurant. A short walk from Bank and Mansion House Tube Stations, the restaurant is also close to famous London landmarks such as St. Paul's Cathedral, the Barbican Centre and the Guildhall.

The seasonally changing à la carte menu is supplemented by daily specials, and offers starters of poached asparagus with sage butter and Grana Padano, fresh crab and avocado salad with a tomato coulis or finely sliced Parma ham with honeydew melon to begin the meal on an appetizing note. A mixed platter for sharing offers Parma ham, bresaola, salami, sun-dried tomatoes, olives and pickles.

Then continue with main course fare such as tagliatelle in a creamy smoked salmon, asparagus and dill sauce, spaghetti tossed with Scottish beef fillet slices sautéed in garlic, chilli and fresh tomatoes or penne with fresh vine tomatoes, grilled vegetables and goat's cheese.

Meat lovers will relish traditional dishes such as grilled calf's liver and bacon, served with a spring onion potato pureé and red wine reduction, chargrilled 28-day matured Scotch rib-eye, with crisp onions and grilled plum tomato or pan-fried pork fillet medallions topped with Parma ham and taleggio cheese, served with sautéed spinach.

If you prefer fish or seafood, there's choice of spicy tiger prawns with tomato, garlic and chilli served on a bed of rice, grilled scallops with lime, smoked pancetta and rocket and roasted fillet of sea bass with mixed wild mushrooms and oven baked diced potato. Set menus for lunch and dinner are also available.

BBQ set menus offer dishes such as succulent pork ribs with a caramelised BBQ sauce, 28-day matured Scotch beef sirloin steak or prime Cumberland sausages served in a roll with caramelised onion along with potato salad with chopped chives and pine nuts, plum tomato with buffalo mozzarella and basil salad with an extra virgin olive oil dressing or Russian salad and a selection of desserts and fruit.

Bring the meal to a fitting conclusion with tempting desserts of traditional tiramisu with Savoiardi biscuits dipped in espresso coffee and layered with mascarpone, baked lime cheesecake with a rum cream or warm chocolate fondant with coconut ice cream. There's also an assortment of soft and hard Italian cheeses served with biscuits and honey.

A predominantly Italian wine list features an extensive selection from all over the country, including a noteworthy selection of grappa, and a sprinkling of examples from the rest of Europe and the New World.

A well-appointed private dining room is available for up to 40 guests, with set, buffet, canapé and bespoke menus, is perfect for a special occasion or corporate event.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.