Coopers

This corner restaurant situated opposite Lincoln’s Inn Fields has been dubbed a ‘hidden gem’ by readers, & retains a loyal following among local legal eagles & staff from the nearby Royal College of Surgeons, who swap scalpels for steak knives as they slice into slabs of aged Aberdeen Angus rib-eye, say, or braised brisket with horseradish mash. The distinctive terracotta interior doesn’t suit all tastes & evenings can be deadly quiet, but the kitchen knocks out some confident, creative modern dishes along the lines of spicy chorizo & chickpea salad, Barbary duck breast with wilted spinach & parsnip purée or scallops & tiger prawns on hot chilli & ginger tagliatelle. An interesting wine list includes bottles sourced direct by the owners, while the basement brasserie is a safe bet for those after something more affordable.