This funky-looking restaurant in The Barbican Centre is perfect for pre-concert dining.

The Venue
Situated in the Barbican Centre - that uniquely designed cultural haven that looks like a cross between a university and an airport lounge - this place isn't somewhere you'd just stumble upon. With minimalistic '70s-style decor, a plain blue shiny floor and an uber-trendy terrace overlooking the lake (complete with cool seating pods designed by RHS Chelsea Flower Show double winner Kate Gould), The Barbican Lounge fits perfectly with the building. Seating is in two long thin rows and on Scandinavian-inspired red and wooden chairs and blue sofas, and food is served through a long thin wooden hole in the wall. If it's a bit cold and you still want to go out onto the terrace there are no heaters but the staff will give you blankets, which is a really nice touch.

The Atmosphere
The venue focuses a lot on corporate customers and often when it’s busy it’s because they’ve got a group booking from a local business. There’s also a fair share of people treating themselves before they see a performance in the Barbican itself. The atmosphere can change from day to day and, as word gets around about the new venue, it’s likely to attract more people. Staff are friendly, helpful and keen for the customers to give feedback.

The Food
Those who love sharing food will love the small-plate dishes. They're not cheap, but are beautifully presented, of a very high quality and hard to fault. The risotto balls (£4) are served in portions of three medium-sized balls. The outside of the balls are in a light, crispy, but not greasy batter and the inside is creamy. This rich flavour is balanced out with a drizzle of basil sauce, shavings of spring onions and florets of pickled cauliflower scattered on top. The dish also comes with a couple of tasty crunchy root vegetable chips.

The rarebit cheese fondue (£6) is the most expensive dish, but unique. Served in a small black pot heated over a candle with a selection of chopped up artisan breads, a few crackers and a couple of long-stemmed forks, it's the perfect sharing dish. The fondue is smooth and the perfect consistency to dip. It's also not too garlicky as some fondues can be. The potato dumplings with roasted garlic aioli and smoked paprika (£3) are cooked so they literally melt in your mouth. The tomato flesh on top balances out the dry flavours of the dumplings, and the fragrant and zesty aioli is served in a curled leaf of onion. The cured salmon cutlet (£5) is cooked gently all the way through and delicately picks up the flavour of the bacon-cider dressing.

When it comes to dessert, the plates aren’t exactly small. The Victoria plum and almond tart (£5) is super sweet, but delicious, and the gentle almond flavours are well matched with the vanilla bean ice cream. It’s more of a pie than a tart, so certainly large enough to share. There’s also a dine-and-dash menu consisting of a starter, main course and dessert all served on one platter, so you can guarantee to get out of the lounge within 50 minutes or get your money back.

The Drink
Wines are carefully picked and served at the correct temperature. The Sangiovese Tere Forti house red is priced at £15 a bottle (£5 a glass) and is at the cheaper end of the relatively expensive wine list, but is an easy-to-drink option that goes well with all the dishes. Cocktails aren’t cheap at up to £9 a drink, but are expertly made by the Lounge’s mixologist. Beers include international favourites Budvar, Peroni, Singha, Corona and Zatec, as well as London Pride and Honey Dew Organic Beer and Aspall's Organic Cider. All are priced from £3.60. There are also coffees and teas available.

The Last Word
With mouthwatering dishes and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s definitely worth a visit – even if you’re not from a local business.

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