Chapter One

Housed in a Tudor-style building, Chapter One is nevertheless a cutting-edge contemporary restaurant in both its design and its culinary approach. A restaurant of one sort or another has been located here for around a century, but none can have looked quite so stylish as the vision that greets us today. The fine-dining room is a series of shimmering spaces created by the use of beaded curtains against a low-lit backdrop of deep, rich cherry, chocolate and cream tones, while the bar is constructed from German alabaster and volcanic rock. Foodie pictures remind us why we're here, and there is also a less formal brasserie area with bare tables and a simpler menu. Andrew McLeish's cooking tacks to the classical side of haute cuisine, but with a modern sensibility for quality ingredients and swish presentation. Roasted Scottish langoustines appear with crushed ratte potatoes mixed with some of the claw meat to create a visually stunning opener, set off with a parmesan tuile. Today's slow cooking is used to productive effect in dishes such as tenderly braised oxtail with pancetta, spinach and delightful puréed parsnip, or roasted pork belly with choucroute, baby leeks and caramelised onions. Fine technique is also evident in a thin-based lemon tart, from the evenly brittle glaze to the profundity of the lush filling, and crème fraîche sorbet makes a great accompaniment to it. Or try pear sablé with Poire William sauce and bitter chocolate ice cream. Home-made breads add to the sense of satisfaction.

On A21, 3m from Bromley. From M25 junct 4 onto A21 for 5m
Nearest station: Orpington

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