The Contented Vine

Pimlico locals are more than contented with this neighbourhood bistro, which serves honest, well-priced brasserie food with a smile. Its success is due to the efforts of affable, hands-on owners Don Morris & Kate Preston, who have filled their cosy red dining room with pleasing personal touches, including original foodie paintings & displays of fresh flowers. Chefs go about their work in a glass-fronted kitchen, sending out unpretentious starters of chicken liver pâté or goats’ cheese soufflé, followed by generous platefuls of pigeon with crushed peas or pork belly with honey & oyster jus; spit-roasted chicken from the rotisserie also gets noticed. The wine list reflects the owners’ knowledge & enthusiasm, with good-value bottles from France, plus a healthy smattering from Spain, Italy & the New World. There’s also a charming basement den for private bashes, while the leafy sheltered garden takes care of alfresco.