Quality Chop House

A self-styled ‘progressive working-class caterer’ back in the 19th century, the Quality Chop House is still providing a great service under its current custodians. QCH is moving with the times too – although the Grade-II listing ensures its heritage will always be faithfully preserved. In the main dining room, a central walkway with chequerboard flooring is flanked by oak benches and narrow tables with cast-iron legs, while an arched doorway offers a glimpse of the kitchen. The walls are partially panelled, with mirrors and chalkboards above. The food is excellent, well-considered and unapologetically generous, with a few defiantly British faithfuls such as game and hazelnut terrine rubbing shoulders with Euro-accented ideas including Suffolk lamb osso buco. True to form, steaks and chops are the headliners, whether you order a thick mangalitza bacon chop or a slab of Hereford sirloin sliced on the bone, served on antique crockery and accompanied by wonderfully crisp confit potatoes. For afters, there’s high-calorie comfort in the shape of, say, treacle tart with clotted cream. Everything runs seamlessly, and staff are also spot-on when it comes to recommendations from the wide-ranging wine list.