A no-nonsense name for this D&D restaurant just across Paternoster Square from the London Stock Exchange. Traders pack in at lunchtime or after close-of-markets for steaks, chops, mixed grills and other manly main courses – although the atmosphere is casual. You don’t have to work in the Square Mile to feel welcome, and plenty of families of tourists stop in post-St Paul’s sightseeing. It’s a modern, open and clean-lined space, with big windows looking on to the cathedral.
Meat is butchered on site and is top quality; a ‘Beast of the Day’ comes with a biography, and fish makes much of its sustainable sourcing. To keep prices down, go for the ‘Best of British’ menu. At £19.50 for two courses, it’s not bad value, though its options don’t number the more expensive cuts of meat. Instead, you’ll find solid renditions of fish and chips, kipper pâté or cottage pie – rich and full-flavoured, with Longhorn beef mince. Puddings are of the sweet and filling sort (apple and blackberry bakewell tart, lemon curd sponge) and there are Neal’s Yard cheeses. The typically D&D polished and warm service operates throughout.