The Terrace in the Fields

Originally this eco-friendly blonde-wood barn was the club house/cafe for the tennis courts of Lincoln's Inn Fields, a picturesque old square in the city. If you sit outside on the terrace, up against the actual netting of the old courts, it feels just like you're in the Royal Box on Centre Court. In the back garden of Britain's legal community, this delightful restaurant is a big hit with suits and lawyers. On a warm day in summer the wall-to-wall patios and beautiful park setting really come into their own. Head chef and proprietor Patrick Williams is highly original in the kitchen, combining British classics with a few Caribbean twists. His influences extend from the Caribbean where his mother was brought up, to his own years sous cheffing at The Ivy and, particularly, studying under Marco Pierre White. As a big fan of both British and Caribbean staples, I was looking forward to this meal with a degree of excitement. I was not disappointed. The terrace makes a lovely space and the service was excellent throughout. There's an impressive wine list and the food, served in generous portions, is delicious. Wholesome starters of caramelised onion tart or carpaccio of beef are full of flavour - the secret's in the scotch bonnet dressing. For mains, choose from curried mutton with rice and peas on the side or Jerk chicken caesar salad which, with its fiery aftertaste, bears all the hallmarks of the Caribbean. If you've still got room after that, warm chocolate brownie is the perfect way to finish. Highly recommended if you like a homely, filling meal, and you'll find good value here for this corner of the city.