This was our second trip to the “Canteen”, underneath the Royal Festival Hall on London’s Southbank. Regrettably the restaurant is situated to the rear and thus has no view of the Thames, a pity but not a problem. Our visit on a busy Saturday lunchtime in July was a pleasure. Despite the provision of outside heaters, it was a little too blustery for us. Instead we were given a large banquet type table for two at the rear, inside, which enabled us to have a good view of everything and everyone.

Food choice at the Canteen comprises mostly British staples, with a wide range all day breakfast themed dishes (for example; eggs Florentine, Arbroath Smokies, sausage and onion sandwich) for only a few pounds through a varied list of starters to larger, more complex, main courses to desserts and even a cake counter. Each day there is a special roast, or pie or stew. So this really is a place with seats at all prices and, I think, something to please everyone.

My wife went for the bacon, eggs and bubble and squeak, an inexpensive but substantial dish at only £6.50. Fighting off the temptation to go for today’s special - beef stew and dumplings - I chose the pie of the day. This was a novel (for me at least) curried chicken filling, served with mash, cabbage and gravy. What arrived was a perfectly cooked, individual pie of decent size and a good helping of vegetables, the cabbage retaining good taste and just the right amount of crunch. The curry flavour was mild and thus complimented the chicken without overpowering it, a decent and filling dish for £9.50. Puddings are all £5 and we both chose Eton mess, which hit all the right spots. Service was quick, professional and attentive and the place certainly has a good “buzz” about it. A good place for a quick snack or the full blow out.

With a good pint of Pale Ale, a Coke, two espressos and an optional 12.5% service charge the whole lot came to just under £40, not bad for central London in a tourist spot, just a nuisance it’s not nearer to home. – Top Cat