The Gate

This charming little nook has been serving vegetarian treats to the residents of West London for years & also finds favour with visitors to the nearby Apollo & Riverside Studios. It might look tucked away, with a painted sign directing you through to the secluded courtyard, but the converted church dining room is refined & relaxed, with quiet jazz & elegant furnishings providing an unobtrusive backdrop to proceedings (‘you’d never know you were in Hammersmith’). The kitchen takes on board global influences & flavours to create memorable, meat-free dishes: deep-fried courgette flowers stuffed with goats’ cheese & pine nuts, or arancini (risotto balls with cherry tomatoes) are good starter choices. After that, head for Eastern-influenced mains, such as the shiitake mushroom, won ton & pumpkin laksa (a Thai-spiced broth containing crisp veg galore) or the aubergine teriyaki, pepped up with bright coriander pesto & lemongrass salsa. Visitors praise the ‘great value & service’.