Nick's review of No.20 at the Sanctum Soho Hotel

I was taken to lunch, with two of us attending.

The room is pleasant and the tables well spread out so talking confidentially is not a problem.

I strolled in and as no-one acknowledged me, I sat down is a bar seat and read the paper – after a few minutes the barman asked me if I wanted a drink, which came rather slowly given the place was more than half empty.

When sat at our table we were told that two of the limited selection of starters were not available. Not good given the selection was limited anyway. We both went for the oxtail soup which was good. I then had the steak and kidney pie, which has good crisp pastry top but both the meat and kidneys was tough and overcooked. My host's rack of lamb was pronounced ‘good’.

The coffees to follow were fine.

Although I wasnt paying, the menu prices were in line with what I would expect for the area but the food was just OK rather than good and the service un-inspiring. Pity because the room works well for a business lunch. I wont be using it again given choice elsewhere in the vicinity.