The Traditional English Restaurants of London

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, where London’s epicureans and literary intelligentsia would congregate for a plate of meat and a pint of ale. 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.

Much of the original features of this time-honoured building have been retained and inside 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, anchovy and tomato salad or snails with garlic butter, followed by battered cod and chips, and pork chop, black pudding, hash and crackling. 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 16oz beef chop with anchovy butter or béarnaise sauce, or their noted salmon fishcakes with sorrel sauce and spinach 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, bubble and squeak or Savoy cabbage. Amongst the desserts expect to find rum and raisin cheesecake, crème brûlée, hot chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream and a cheese plate.

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 Saint Clair Pinot Noir from New Zealand or the Beelgara un-oaked Chardonnay from Australia.

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