Canton Arms - Vauxhall

The Canton Arms, the name refers to the 26 cantons, member states of Switzerland, is a gastro-pub that has been the attention of much critical acclaim in the the unlikely destination of Vauxhall, on South Lambeth Road. With siblings like the Anchor and Hope in Waterloo and Great Queen Street in Covent Garden it is not surprising that it's pulling in the crowds. There is a bar at the front, while the dining area at the back has been painted with their trademark ox-blood walls, with dark wood mismatched furniture, bare floorboards and art décor style mirrors on the walls.

Trish Hilferty heads the kitchen, ex Eagle in Farringdon and the Fox in Shoreditch, to produce a short menu of gutsy flavoursome dishes, using impeccable ingredients. Starters of potted shrimp or a hearty oxtail and split pea soup might open the show, followed by quail with aïoli and butter beans , or a wonderful sharing casserole of six hour braised shoulder of Blackface mutton. Desserts on the regularly changing menu could feature a delectable crème fraîche tart with pink rhubarb or a little chocolate pot. There is a very reasonably priced wine list, with options by the glass and jug. For a quick bite, there are bar snacks available, with a foie gras toastie being a particular highlight.