David's review of Smiths of Smithfield

There can be few more pleasurable ways to spend a leisurely summer Sunday lunch, than on the balcony of the top floor of Smiths of Smithfield.

It was a beautiful day and the ability to sit outside under the awnings provided a very relaxed and enjoyable location for lunch. The food was excellent. I am not sure what has been happening recently in the kitchens there but, on this occasion, the food was much better than we have enjoyed on previous visits. My eggs benedict to start with was very well presented and the egg poached to perfection. My friends had the smoked eel and the calamari as their starters and similar comments of satisfaction were expressed.

A very good bottle of Gigondas, sensibly priced, accompanied our meal.

For the main course I thoroughly enjoyed my roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, my friends had the roast lamb and the lobster. The meal and the accompanying vegetables were will cooked and seasoned, with no evidence of the ‘over seasoning’ that can sometimes happen at Smiths of Smithfield.

I declined the desert but I gather, from the appreciative comments, that the creme brulee and the tarte au citron were excellent.

To top off the occasion spendidly we were served by a waitress, who we learned is from Sydney. She was attentive without being intrusive and certainly added value to the selection of both the food and the wine. Smith's are to be complimented on securing her services and she is certainly very skilled and competent in providing a high standard of customer service. Regardless of the food, good service is often a reason for returning, or not returning, to a particular restaurant. On the evidence of our last experience we shall return.