All Greek to us
A proper, old-fashioned Greek taverna with no airs and graces was the request. Thanks to a ringing personal recommendation from the bloke’s son (which was also corroborated by Square Meal), four of us found ourselves in the somewhat unimposing surroundings of Cleveland Street on a cold, dank Monday evening. Fortunately the Four Lanterns lived up to its name and whilst it could not replicate a balmy evening in the Med, the cosy interior and the warmth of the welcome from the staff certainly lit up our evening. We all ordered the mezedes, which just has to be one of the best value meals available in central London. For £22 a head, the food never stopped coming; from classic starters of dips and pitta bread , on to the spicy sausages, closely followed by a vast array of fish dishes, all rounded off with a platter of grilled meats served with rice and salad. Our blokes are known for their appetites, but even they had to admit to defeat here. For me the standout dish was the whitebait, deliciously fresh and light but there was really something for everyone on this menu. Beverage choices are a bit limited; no draught beer available during our meal and as for the wine, think we can say that we found the least worse bottle on the menu, but as all are priced at £30 or less, you don’t come here for the vino. Although it was a quiet night, the two members of staff looked after us very well and were engaging and amusing all evening. Food-wise it certainly hit the brief and we’ll definitely return.