Little Bay

LITTLE Bay is a jewel in the concrete jungle of Farringdon.

The theatrical interior is full of character: an enormous golden sculpture of Zeus's face looms from the wall, turquoise velvet hangs from the ceiling and the lampshades are made from twisted wire, beads and netting.

On our visit, the place was full of an eclectic, trendy crowd.

The menu is European food, of largely meat and fish dishes, which are served with mash and vegetables.

Vegetarians can choose from tarte tartin, filo pastry parcels filled with vegetables and terracottage cheese, or aubergines with grilled goat's cheese.

It is cheap as chips - starters cost £2.25 from noon until 7pm and £3.25 after 7pm.

The main courses cost £6.45 from noon until 7pm and £8.45 thereafter.

In terms of value for money, Little Bay couldn't be better.

Portions are generous and attractively presented.

The moules and the goat's cheese salad were tasty.

The sea bass was scrumptious.

The lamb was a bit stringy and should have been hotter.

The crowning glory was the chocolate fondant which was moist, piping hot and served with ice-cream.

The Australian Chenin Semillon Chardonnay Oddsocks, at £14.50 a bottle, was a delicious, crisp white wine.

The owner, Peter Ilic, is Serbian and moved to London 30 years ago to work as a chef.

His international staff were friendly, charming and created a welcoming, homely atmosphere.

This fun, cheap and funky restaurant would be the perfect venue for a relaxed meal for two, or a raucous party for 50, with its extra seating downstairs.

There are branches in Farringdon, Battersea, Fulham, Kilburn, Croydon and one branch in Belgrade, Serbia.

Signature dishes:

All starters £2.25 from noon until 7pm – £3.25 after 7pm

• Mussels Anglaise with garlic, shallots, white wine and cream

Light dishes £5.25

• Mediterranean salad with feta cheese and artichokes

Main courses £6.45 from noon until 7pm £8.45 after 7pm

• Roast breast of Barbary duck with red cabbage, honey and ginger sauce
• Pork medallions with garlic mash and red wine sauce

Desserts £2.25 from Noon until 7pm and £3.25 after 7pm

• Poached pear with panacotta and mixed fruit coulis

Opening Times: Monday-Sunday: Noon-11.30pm