The Forge, Garrick Street, London

An odd mix of bare brick walls, turquoise chairs and smart white table cloths, the Forge is a popular lunch venue with besuited businessmen. The extensive menu has some imaginative starters including a tasty truffled duck egg served with ham (£7.50) and there are more than a dozen modern European main courses to choose from. The juicy rib eye steak with Bearnaise sauce (£16) is packed with flavour, but the accompanying chips are thin, salty and crispy. Vegetables, such as green beans and spinach, can be ordered as extras at about £3 to £4 a pop. There is a vast wine list and service is slick and professional. Undoubtedly a high-quality restaurant offering plenty of choice, but the Forge may be a bit too businesslike for anyone not on an expense account. 7/10