Canteen

As an encore to its success at Spitalfields, Canteen has opened this spacious second site in the new-look Royal Festival Hall – though sadly at the Belvedere Road end, rather than on one of the prime spots overlooking the river. The all-day menu repeats the successful modern British formula of Spitalfields, but while the likes of tomato & goats’ cheese tart & deep-fried plaice with chips & tartare sauce are acceptably prepared, they fail to excite. The pastry in the tart was undercooked, the batter on the plaice was too thick & a main of tarragon, walnut & roast chicken salad was not only bland, it was served with pecans rather than the advertised walnuts. On the plus side, the ingredients were obviously fresh & of good quality, prices are reasonable, service is efficient & all the wine is available by both the glass & carafe.