A Jack the Ripper-era, warehouse-style, sepia-toned interior works well in the context of the Longroom’s location next to Smithfield Market. Traditional salt beef – moist and flaky – served on
sourdough from Gail’s bakeries is the mainstay of a short menu that also features soups, doorstep sarnies and toastie-sized Welsh rarebit laced with craft beer (steeply priced at £6.50, regardless
of additional pickles). Wines by the glass include a serviceable house Sangiovese at £4, and the same outlay secures a pint of London Fields lager from a list that also touts Meantime Yakima Red
and Aspall’s Harry Sparrow cider. Service is sweet, but explaining a virgin Mary to a Spanish-speaking bartender can verge on a Fawlty Towers farce. Expect plenty of takers during the week,
although Sunday lunch in this very long room can be a lonely place.