It's not easy to persuade the Finn to move away from her natural habitat of SW1, SW3 or SW7. Sometimes I'm successful and we have been known to venture into W14. But E1? Never!

However, when I told her that Lanes was named best new London restaurant a couple of years back and had a very solid pedigree (Two AA rosettes and Liam Cooper as Head Chef), she relented. So off we went to Middlesex Street (or Petticoat Lane if you're a tourist), just a stones' throw away from the money making machine known as 'the City'.

Like most people I judge restaurants on lots of things in addition to the food, and Lanes scores very well, thank you. The plasma screen on the wall shows a burning log fire, the eclectic range of pictures includes Tony Hancock, Homer Simpson, Christine Keeler and Robert Zimmerman (Bob Dylan to you and me) and the butter on the tables is French. They also serve Speyside water instead of the ubiquitous Hildon.  

We decided to skip the bar food menu, tempting as it was (platters to share, risotto, salads, prawns etc) and headed straight for the restaurant.

The Finn started with the pan seared scallops with chive pomme puree while I started with one of the specials - smoked salmon fishcakes. Both were well prepared and exceptionally well presented. I then chose the braised shank of lamb while the Finn went for the Sea Bream. She made the better choice. The lamb was (as lamb often is) a little too fatty and the dish came across as a somewhat heavy.

The lesson is, only ever go for Spring lamb of the highest quality. That's not to say the dish was poor - it certainly wasn't, but it was clear looking at other diner's dishes that I could have made a better choice. The Finn's dish was truly excellent. Lightly cooked with wonderful garnishes it would stand comparison with the most expensive offerings in high-end restaurants.

We finished off with raspberry and lemon tart and crème brulee with caramelized banana and passion fruit sauce. The brulee was creamy and should be ordered for two to enjoy while the tart was tangy with a light pastry.

All in all Lanes is an excellent and moderately priced modern, relaxed and laid back place to enjoy a drink at the bar (with or without food) or lunch or dinner in style. There's also a private dining room called, modestly, the Boardroom. Count on around £100 for two in the restaurant with all the bits and a decent bottle of wine. Well worth a visit.

Here Is The Writer : Richard Tobias

Richard Tobias brings a much needed dose of good behavior to HITC Life. His extensive career in tourism brought him an OBE in 1998. Richard is an experienced writer, lecturer and broadcaster, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, the Tourism Society and the Institute of Travel & Tourism as well as non-executive chairman of World Media Publishing. His Who's Who entry lists golf, good food and Chelsea Football Club amongst his passions. His favourite dining companion is The Finn, and sometimes her daughter, The Finnette.

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