Quality Chop House

The Victorian warehouses and industrial buildings of Farringdon have been restored to their former glory, but these days the locals are more likely to be bankers and media types rather than the old East London working class. This makes it an ideal spot for this immaculately restored Victorian diner, which describes itself as an authentic working class experience on one window, and advertises caviar on the other. They've done a fabulous job with the restoration, with long wooden pews neatly spaced across a black and white tiled floor, and an air of cosy neatness throughout. The food is also traditional British, with a breakfast menu that makes it ideal for weekend brunching, and a long list of grilled, fried and roasted meat and fish. It may feel unfussy but the prices are far above what you would pay at a greasy spoon, and so is the quality of the food. Six snails come drenched in butter, on a plate that has so much juice and burnt garlic that you'll be sorely tempted to ruin your appetite by soaking it all up with bread. A stack of wild mushrooms on toast are a meaty delight and a huge beef chop is as burnt and bloody as it should be in a place like this. Opt for the tuna steak and you'll get a fiery salsa, which adds a fine touch of the Mediterranean to your solidly British meal. If you love Farringdon, then you'll love this restaurant which perfectly embodies the mix of working class history and modern quality.