THE GRUB: A modern British bar menu with twists on hearty classics. Main courses include rich smoked haddock fishcakes with hollandaise and poached hen’s egg (£9.95), or a comforting pie of the day (we are lucky enough to have beef and red wine) with buttered mashed potato (£10.50). Cheese servings are small at £2.50 per slice, but they easily make up for that in quality.
 
BEHIND THE BAR: The extensive drinks menu is filled with wines from around the globe – and if it’s bad then it’s probably not on their menu. You’ll also find dessert wine, cognac port and sherry, plus a thorough list of American, Irish, Japanese, single malt and blended whisky.

BILL PLEASE: Starters from £5.50, mains from £9.50 and desserts start at £5.75. Expect to pay about £5-£6 for a glass of wine and about £4 for whisky.

VERDICT: The Lady Ottoline is what’s best about modern British bars. As it’s verging on a residential area it feels like you’ve stumbled on a (very welcoming) local. But it isn’t a place to get lashed, it’s best suited as somewhere to go in search of good food and quality drinks on a special occasion.

11a Northing Street, WC1N 2JF 
theladyottoline.com 
Tube: Chancery Lane

Words: Clare Vooght