The Gate

An invigoratingly inventive vegetarian restaurant set in an old church hall behind the Hammersmith Apollo, The Gate is accessed via a weaving route of courtyards, hallways & staircases. Relax under the vaulted ceilings in a venue that still feels faintly like a community hall, & allow the kitchen to dazzle you. Influences come from around the globe, especially in starters such as a mezze platter, wasabi potato cakes, & battered baby artichokes stuffed with dolcelatte & wild mushrooms, served with a Puy-lentil salsa. Mains also draw on Italian & eastern cooking, with highlights including the globe-artichoke ravioli with cherry salsa, & aubergine won tons in a Thai coconut soup with noodles. The excellent wine list is also worth a splurge.