Paternoster Chop House

Standing in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Paternoster Chop House proclaims itself an ambassador for gutsy British fare. A favourite with suits from the nearby Stock Exchange, the rambunctious dining room is packed to the rafters during the week – although you won’t find any veggies here. The ‘beast of the day’ rules on a meaty menu that includes the likes of pork & veal sausages with mash or wild boar teamed with carrots & tarragon. Seafood gets a look-in as well – oft-praised Colchester rock oysters with cucumber, manzanilla & shallot vinegar, for instance. Knowledgeable staff know all about provenance, & the menu even cites the names of the boats that carried your fish to shore. In summer, customers drift outside to take in the views of Wren’s ecclesiastical masterpiece.