Chamberlains Restaurant

Long-established Billingsgate fishmongers Chamberlain and Thelwell are behind this classy City venture, so no surprises that fish and seafood are its main stock in trade. Spread over three floors and sitting pretty amid the Victorian splendour of Leadenhall Market, Chamberlains buzzes with the power-lunch crowd. There's an all-weather front terrace (beneath the market's glazed roof), while inside huge windows give views over the action from the lively brasserie-like ground floor and mezzanine balcony. Blond-wood floors, red seating, white linen and subtle nautical references keep things light and breezily fashionable. Upstairs there's a more formal room, and a 'chill-out' bar (with a separate menu) hides in the vaulted basement. Sea-fresh seafood is what to expect, with provenance and sourcing rightly to the fore. The menu mixes classics (lobster thermidor or skate wing with brown nut butter) with more modern thinking (wild sea bass with braised oxtail, endive and hazelnut dressing). Some dishes are simply cooked without frills, others a little more intricate, and there's a few meat options too (assiette of lamb, for instance).