The Guildford

Over the past four years, this down-at-heel boozer in the backstreets of Greenwich has evolved into a slick-looking, French bar/brasserie that’s a notch up from your usual gastro joint. Blood-red & white walls, dark wood, rattan chairs & a leather sofa provide sophisticated surroundings & plans are afoot for a dedicated restaurant on the first floor. A goats’ cheese parcel with a salad of crisp bacon, Parma ham, honey & apple makes for a pleasing prelude to the delicious cod fillet en papillote with julienne vegetables, herbs & spices. On the downside, our steak was small & slightly overcooked & the service, though sweet, can sometimes be ditzy. But The Guildford deserves to succeed, not least because of the fabulous garden & balcony area at the back, which packs in the family crowds come summer.