Rocket

Perhaps it’s the peaceful location between Old Broad Street & Threadneedle Street or maybe it’s the wacky decor (think camp baroque kitsch meets mischievous pop art) – either way, Rocket manages to feel like a City haunt while keeping its distance from the old ways. It’s a versatile space, rising up from the ground-floor bar & terrace, past the spectral plush of the black bar up to the playful top-floor dining room. The food also has a sense of riotous assembly – think fish & chip salad on rocket, red onions, pickled vegetables & fried capers, or smoked black pudding & butterfly king prawn pizza with pancetta & green chillis, or even deep-fried coconut crispy squid. Wines are refreshingly affordable, & the two-course evening menu (£15) also helps to keep costs down.