Bellamy's

It's like the recession never happened here. But it's also like the boom never happened either because Bellamy's is still sitting snugly in the early 80s and yet to suffer the highs and lows of the Nineties and Naughties. If you are a hedgie of a certain age who hasn't lost it all yet in European bonds (or perhaps are just about to and fancy one last taste of the old life) then this is the place for you. The welcome here is warm and genteel, “Ah, Mr X, lovely to see you again. Your usual table? Your usual wine?”. The latter will be something French, as that's all that's on offer, but fortunately the wine list is long enough to keep most people happy. Everything is smothered in a comforting layer of butter like a gastro security blanket. A simple asparagus dish hits the spot. The recommended Dover Sole sits, gently fried, atop some unintimidating, slightly anaemic looking, skinless boiled potatoes, with great dollops of spinach and beans as sides. The rhubarb crumble is just that: deliciously sharp bits of rhubarb under a thin crumb. Portions, seen through our American super-size-me glasses, look as if they have been subjected to austerity measures but they are just in keeping with the cuisine's 70s heritage. The meal is a study in straightforward, old style cooking. Service is friendly, but discreet. The clientele consists primarily of classic lunchtime suits. In proper 80s style, I don't get to see the bill as I'm a lady, but I'm guessing the pricing is somewhat more modern, given that my starter was £11.50 and the fish £26. I am astonished that Bellamy's was in fact only established in 2004. My astonishment fades when I am told its founders are all ex-Annabels. Ah, that explains that then.

I work nearby so visit Bellamys fairly regularly. The maitre d and all the staff are so professional and welcoming that my spirits are raised before I even sit down. The smallish menu of French staples is of the very highest order, superb cooking of grown up comfort food served in a lovely room, with a bustly yet not too crowded atmosphere.
I have rather particular dietary requirements and they are happy to accommodate my annoying changes without any fuss. It is not cheap but very good value and a far better bet than twice the price trendier establishments nearby.

The food was heavenly, I have never eaten such good unfussy French food outside of France. Highly recommend it, I've taken friends and family there now and would rate it as one of London's best restaurants.

We visited Bellamy's for the first time last weekend. For us it was a real find, tucked away, yet close to all the action.

The food was excellent throughout, nicely prepared but not over fussy. Between us we had fish, shellfish and venison, all equally good and accompanied by wines well selected by the waiter. Bellamy's has an adjoining shop and you enter through here in the evening. It sounds a bit off-putting, but in practice it actually added to the deal as the displays and aromas enhance the ambience as you enter.

Bellamy's is not just about the food – what set it apart for us was the whole experience, nicely tucked away, lively atmosphere, friendly staff, buzzy without being over-crowded and outstanding service from a highly attentive maitre d' who clearly had his eye on everything that was going on. Highly recommended for a lighter meal after a heavy shopping experience!