Vine

In an era fuelled by haute cuisine and sleek restaurants it's comforting to know there are still some places in London, and on Gray's Inn Road in particular, who like to keep things low-key and literally underground. Take the Vine Restaurant for instance, spread over two floors, basement and ground level; it has the feel of a casual, easy-going place for an afternoon tea or a meal with the family.

However, the cooking is taken seriously with platters of smoke salmon with crème fraîche and capers, and rare roast beef with Dijon mayonnaise and rocket, while parmigiana melenzane, lasagna and whole poached salmon are baked fresh to order. And who could resist those little trays of canapés - grilled swordfish and snow pea skewers, crostini with terrine and cornichons, and lamb cutlets with ratatouille dipping sauce? The canapés and fork buffet menu are ideal for groups of eight or more.

Vine Restaurant also caters for parties, weddings and private functions, with a separate business facility for corporate events.