Orchard

The team behind veggie big-hitter Vanilla Black have scaled things down for their second eatery, just a stone’s throw from Holborn Tube. Don’t expect the same level of depth and flair, but do expect a warm welcome from this homely all-day venue, with its raggedy wooden furniture and white-brick walls. At first glance, the line-up of soups and sarnies might suggest well-trodden culinary territory, but there is a thoughtful chef at work here. Typical offerings (from a very short menu) include toasted oat porridge with lemon thyme pesto for breakfast, followed by roasted shallot and hazelnut tart with wilted greens and pickled mushrooms or a rich and filling Yorkshire Cheddar and savoy cabbage pudding. The home-baked soda bread is a highlight and there are decent cakes too. Orchard is very much a lunchtime hangout – note that the dining room shuts at 8pm.