Waterhouse

Waterhouse Restaurant Review:

Acorn House started its life in King’s Cross, but has now merged into its sister restaurant, Waterhouse, in Shoreditch. Hopefully this is not a sign that people’s enthusiasm for their philosophy has waned. The restaurant uses a compost heap for leftover food, stocks wines shipped by sea from around the world, and is owned by a charity. But none of it would succeed, let's be honest, were it not for its notable cooking. Start with the ingredients, which are naturally organic, mostly local and from sustainable resources. The menu has simplified; meals are a relaxed affair with dishes from £5.80 to £16.50. Try a watercress soup with strawberry soured cream, or smoked mackerel with apple salsa and move on to pasta, perhaps with English lamb and oregano, or confit chicken with polenta chips. Puddings include strawberry summer pudding with candied cucumber and verbena cream or caramel ice cream. Service is charming; the wine list good.