The Traditional English Restaurants of London

The Quality Chop House offers no-nonsense quality British food in dignified, historic surroundings at prices that are reasonable, a reliable classic of its kind that will bring you back again and again.

Built in the 1870s by noted architect, Sir Roland Plumbe, the Quality Chop House is a rare survivor of the late nineteenth chop houses; working class they may have been but the quality of their food was such that London gentlemen found them a welcome alternative to the clubs and pubs of the day. Does a ghostly hint of the gastropubs to come spring to mind?

Nine bays of oak benches and tables are sturdily secured to the building, and the stained glass windows proclaim ‘London’s Noted Cup of Tea’. It comes as a relief to discover that there is a wine list that offers a thoughtfully assembled range of offerings from around the world which might induce more cheer than the English cup of tea, good though it is.

Breakfast is served from 7.30 am, with such sturdy British favourites as grilled kippers and poached egg, or two eggs with grilled calves liver and back bacon. For special occasions there is the St George’s Day Breakfast, a death-defying dragon of a meal.

A two course menu at under £10 offers a competitive option for lunch or pre-theatre.

The main menu operates throughout from midday, with starters that could include warm asparagus with Parmesan shavings, six or twelve French snails baked in garlic butter, a fresh anchovy and tomato salad, or a Quality Chop House dressed Cornish crab. The steak tartare takes the form of spiced 28 day matured prime Scottish rump, and can also be taken as a main course.

Fried free-range eggs, back bacon and chips make bring echoes of the all day breakfast, and traditionalists may well drool over the hand-made Cumberland sausages, mashed potato and onion gravy. Pies have always been a staple part of the British diet, so watch out for the Pie of the Day served with either mashed potatoes or green beans. Fish of the day produces treats for the enthusiast, whilst others may indulge in wiener schnitzel with chipped potatoes.

There is hot chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream to finish, rice pudding with apricot jam, or a good plate of traditional cheeses. Quality Chop House is place for those who respect quality, unfussy food, in convivial surroundings.