Ransome's Dock

It's not exactly cutting edge, but this Battersea riverside stalwart has been serving absolutely reliable Anglo-European cooking from the school of Elizabeth David for 20 years now, and its supporters are as loyal as ever. Typical offerings on the regularly tweaked menu might include pork and duck rillettes with Poilâne toast, Creedy Carver duck breast with braised Pardina lentils and peas, and a fabulously retro prune and Armagnac soufflé served with Armagnac custard. In response to the times, proprietor Martin Lam has dressed down the bar and conservatory with a daytime tapas menu as well as weekend brunch. While this won't transform Ransome's Dock into the fashion pack's hangout of choice, the relaxed approach allows drop-ins the chance to explore the wonderful, intriguing and kindly priced wine list without committing to a full meal.