Bradleys

What would the culture vultures who frequent the Hampstead Theatre do without Bradley’s? It has been their grown-up eatery of choice for 20-odd years, serving a fail-safe pre-theatre menu (£13.50/17.50 for two/three courses) with a pleasing range of half-bottles & wines by the glass to accompany. Ingredients are well sourced: fish is transported daily from Cornwall & red meat travels down from Orkney. The kitchen gives it all a Med spin, throwing out starters of ricotta & lemon tortellini, or pan-fried scallops & razor clams with creamy cauliflower purée. Rack & shoulder of lamb are interestingly teamed with kidney & rosemary brochette, & to finish you’ll be hard pushed to ignore the warm pistachio soufflé. Service is prompt, polite & bound to please.