Aside from a stern woman in black with folded arms who stood at the entrance (but failed to greet us either on arrival or when we left) glaring over her charges like a victorian school mistress, and pretty lackadaisical service, my boyfriend and I had a lovely and relaxed brunch here today.

The little loaf (a la Hix) was warm and delicious (the butter creamy salty yumminess), scrambled eggs and smoked salmon were tasty, I ate the best Buck Rarebit I've ever eaten, and the ham hock soup (broth poured over veg and ham at the table) was warming, healthy and hearty (if a teeny bit underseasonsed).

I had a bone in my soup and left it (uncomplained about) on the bread board – a hazard of the hock I thought – but, the owner (Nick?), mentioned it and immediately took it off the bill when I explained that it had been found in the soup, not the salmon. I thought that was really nice of him, and made up for the waiters gossiping and banging about at the back of my banquette throughout the meal.

The atmosphere was lovely, the room is gorgeous, and I could happily while away hours here. Just need to give the service a leg up, and that lady in black a smile.