Island Grill

The Lancaster London has addressed niggles about high prices by reinventing the simpler of its two restaurants as the Island Grill. With busy Lancaster Gate in constant motion outside, the more casual approach feels like a good fit, though service can still be slow & vague. The split-level venue has been given plenty of dark wood &, perhaps intentionally, a slightly anonymous feel, while the open kitchen turns out a catch-all roster of international dishes for visiting families & couples. Squid with red-pepper salsa & preserved lemon is the pick of the starters, & a main course of pork belly with lentils & roasted shallots is preferable to steak. The limited wine list is supplemented by an exuberant array of accurately mixed cocktails, making the bar a handy meeting place near the park.