Butlers Wharf Chop House

The food, service & location described as ‘the best place to take visitors to London’ all get rave reviews from readers, though be aware that the decor – dark wood panelling & dated furniture – is less spectacular. Food mixes old favourites such as roast beef & fish & chips with cooking for the more adventurous, all with equally good results. A terrine of guinea fowl, bacon & onion with tangy piccalilli was moist & flavoursome, while tender pork belly meat & crisp crackling with mustard mash was a terrific combo of contrasting textures. The pudding menu comes with suggested wines by the glass for each dessert & there are traditional British savouries such as angels on horseback on offer too. Service is discreetly efficient.

Wine List: Running to 26 pages, this is a substantial list chosen with care & thought. Laid out regionally, the Old World dominates but there are some strong entries from Australia & New Zealand. There is a good collection of half bottles & plenty by the glass, including some lovely Madeira & an excellent English white, all of which have helpful & interesting notes. Best Buy White 2006 Verdejo, Jose Pariente, Rueda, Spain, £26. Best Buy Red 2004 Rully, Vincent Dureuil-Janthial, Cote Chalonnaise, Burgundy, France, £38.