Where to eat on a budget
It's January and most of us are feeling the pinch after a Christmas blow-out. But there’s no need to live like a hermit — check out these restaurants offering fabulous low-cost food. Plus, discover three great gastropubs...
Little Bay
171 Farringdon Road, EC1
Here you'll find that there's a fixed price for all the starters and another for mains, so you can choose whatever you like with impunity. The menus feature what could be described as "bistro favourites". £12pp ex-drinks. (020 7278 1234).
Gaby's
30 Charing Cross Road, WC2
Gaby's is a decent West End takeaway with a bustling deli counter, where you can choose to eat in. Opt for the salt beef, or other classics such as smoked salmon. Very cheap and very cheerful. £10pp ex-drinks. (020 7836 4233).
Le Mercury
140a Upper Street, N1
This place offers a somewhat more Gallic take on the Little Bay "fixed-low-prices" principle. It's hard to be picky when the bill is this reasonable. And it's in fashionable Islington. £12pp ex-drinks. (020 7354 4088).
THREE GASTROPUBS by Edward Sullivan
Lord Moon of the Mall
16 Whitehall, SW1
This large, sprawling, former banking hall close to Trafalgar Square comes into its own in the early evening, when local office workers pack the place. They come for a good selection of reasonably priced real ales and excellent deals on meals. No-smoking area. (020 789 7701).
The Prince Alfred
5a Formosa Street, W9
Elegant, Victorian building with splendid mahogany partitions housing doorways just three feet high - almost every bit of the main bar is listed. In contrast to the bar, the restaurant is a testament to modernism and serves fine-quality Modern British fare. (020 7286 3287).
The Wellington
81-83 Waterloo Road, SE1
Directly opposite Waterloo station, The Wellington has quickly gained a reputation as a purveyor of fine ales - a changing list is always offered. And a massive menu of international dishes should provide something for all tastes. (020 7928 6083).
