Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room

Light-filled by day, softly lit at night, the simply decorated Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room is so much more than a gallery eaterie, yet keeps prices very reasonable. A seasonal menu (overseen by Angela Hartnett) allows for flexible eating, with nibbles (try the very moreish whipped goat’s curd and roasted garlic croûtes), small plates (though a tasty tangle of chargrilled courgette ribbons with gremolata and toasted hazelnuts was a decent-sized bowlful) and bigger plates all being served. Of the heftier dishes, salt beef hash was superb – immaculately presented, and rescued from being too dry by the runny yolk of a fried duck egg topping. Cornish silver mullet came with a very buttery herb sauce, and beer-battered cod with chips, tartare sauce and pea purée is always a good rendition, though slightly mean with the purée. Truffle chips and bread with classy olive oil are extras worth ordering. Anywhere that serves ice-cream by the scoop gets our vote, but there are crowd-pleasing desserts such as eton mess too. A short global wine list offers most options by the glass. Jovial, attentive staff are the icing on the cake.