Since opening in a converted bike shed in Shoreditch in 2004, Rochelle Canteen has garnered a cult following among foodies who love stripped-back, wholesome cooking. The founders, Melanie Arnold and Margot Henderson, pride themselves on serving local food that changes with the seasons, with dishes including pork belly and rainbow chard or chicken, leek and tarragon pie. So we’re thrilled to learn that Rochelle Canteen has opened a second restaurant, at the ICA on the Mall, with its own standalone bar run by Melanie’s son, Fin. It welcomes walk-ins and there’s plenty of seating (hard to come by in central London) and, for once, we recognise every drink on the menu, from martinis and Old-Fashioneds to negronis. We recommend the Army and Navy, made with Beefeater gin, lemon and orgeat syrup (which tastes just like liquid marzipan). It’s dangerously drinkable and easily followed up with one, two or maybe three of Fin’s sweet but crisp margaritas. Just watch out for that tequila…
