The Narrow - Gordon Ramsay

Set on the banks of the Thames with The City and Canary Wharf standing silently in the distance, The Narrow is a place at which you'd turn the corner and smile, for it's a rather unexpected surprise.

It's got the atmosphere of a pub with the appearance of a restaurant, especially once you step through the door. Dozens of tables have been stuffed inside, but in now way is it claustrophobic, more sociable and engaging. OK, there's a 50' wall-mounted telly on which live sports are scheduled, but that doesn't detract from The Narrow's appealing style. It's a Grade II listed building, so it immediately feels homely and safe. The furnishings are simple with deep oak tables and chairs and wood flooring. Cushy sofas line the fringes, and it all spills out into the glass-roofed, slate-floored conservatory which is so close to the river it's practically floating in it. Put simply: there is ample dining space, allowing for a friendly and communicative eating experience.

Classic, filling, British food. Light bites, mains, pub grub and, interestingly, an 'On toast' option with Welsh rarebit, crab or devilled lamb's kidneys, all ready to choose from the menu. Mussels, smoked haddock, roasted trout, duck leg, baby chicken and roasted hanger steak are possible mains. While, from the 'Classics' section, it's business as usual with fish and chips; sausage and mash; and a whopping-great-big short-rib cheeseburger with bacon and all the trimmings. As far as sweets go, you've got chocolate brownies, sticky toffee pudding and cheesecake as exemplary options, and drinks will of course be readily available at the bar.

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If you didn't do it on your way there, you should go and check out the Docklands. With Canada Square Park being the financial-district's center-piece, this is an especially interesting area of London to visit. Such importance and global action occurs here and, for a simple pleasure, simply standing and gazing up at the ever-stretching skyscrapers to get that raw feeling of insignificance against a jungle of towering giants is one you won't get anywhere else in London. As well as this, there's the nearby Docklands Museum which offers rich historical context about the surrounding area.

Opening times: Monday - Saturday: 12:00 - 22:30, Sunday: 12:00 - 22:00

Nearest Tube: Limehouse (Docklands Light Railway)