Alan Bird is no stranger to the ins and outs of London’s restaurant scene; he’s got over twenty years experience heading up the likes of Soho House and The Ivy under his belt. His own venture, Bird of Smithfield, is a five-storey Georgian townhouse extravaganza, overlooking the historic Smithfield meat market. The vibe here is both quirky and quintessentially British, with a menu to match.

An all-day affair, Bird of Smithfield has a roof terrace, a lounge bar and a sultry basement cocktail bar, as well as one private dining room and one kitted out with herringbone-clad chairs that wouldn’t look out of place in a country club. Some might call it overkill, but Bird’s catch-all approach works surprisingly well, attracting a broad swathe of London’s stylish set week-round.

The menu here changes, but whatever the season, the cuisine remains hearty and soul-warmingly British in essence. There are roasts and pies, salads and sponges aplenty, all given a Bird of Smithfield twist. Read: elegant, satisfying, and mouthwatering. But potential diners should be warned; it’s dangerously easy to eat away a large part of your Sunday afternoon at this comfort food haven.