Cooper's, Lincoln's Inn

We’re meeting up with a group of four ex-colleagues, most of whom we don’t see that often.  Cooper’s, on the corner of Lincoln’s Inn has been chosen because it used to be a favourite lunchtime haunt of one of our number.   It’s a filthy day, so we’re glad to get in, be warmly welcomed, coats taken and settle into a table some distance from the door.  It’s not a very big place – 40 covers perhaps – and is fairly full at 1pm, so feels quite cosy.

As we wait for the final people to arrive, we order the house Sauvignon Blanc at £19 as suggested by the waitress. There was a house Viognier at £22, and a shortish, but interesting looking list – the SB was fine though.

The menu is predominantly English, with lots of appealing dishes, making the choice quite difficult.  In the end, B goes for the pheasant, grouse & wild mallard terrine. This is clearly home-made, as it is moist and irregular, tasting very gamey indeed. My oriental crispy duck salad is a largish portion, with tasty but slightly salty duck, interesting ginger and hoisin dressing on the leaves, and a few bamboo shoots. Other selections included scallops and black pudding (deemed excellent), bacon and pear salad, and goat’s cheese fritters.

Main portions are large. B has tiger prawns and scallops with cherry tomatoes and pasta, with a hint of chilli, and is very enjoyable.  My rolled pork belly with black pudding beignet comes without any carbs, but is too much for me to finish. The pork is well done, with a hint of crust, and the black pudding excellent.  The others had sea bass, duck breast, and calves liver.

The service has been very good – quick wine - friendly and available without interrupting. By the time we finish it is 3pm and the place has emptied out, and the way the table is being cleared implies we ought to leave, though it is open all afternoon Monday to Friday.

With 4 bottles plus sparkling water, the bill comes to £43 a head (including 12.5% service), which I’d say was very good value.