Amongst the oh-so-hip east London hang-outs of Bethnal Green Road lies a refreshingly smart restaurant - one that's ideal for escaping from the trendies.

The Venue
Beach Blanket Babylon is true glamour – gilded wallpaper, lavish furniture and over the top ornaments. The space resembles a crazy Parisian antique boutique where no two areas are the same. The lit up bar is welcoming and well stocked – a good sign of the cocktails to come – and the restaurant, packed with vintage lights and an open fireplace, is warming and cosy.

The Atmosphere
Surprisingly busy for a chilly Tuesday evening, the place is full of… normal people. No beanie hats and geek-chic glasses here, just a mix of couples, small gatherings and businessmen enjoying good food in nice surroundings. It really is that simple. The staff match the atmosphere and it all adds up to a thoroughly pleasant experience – the perfect date spot.

The Food
The menu is decidedly early Noughties, but thankfully the flavours and combinations all supersede the style. The menu isn’t trying to be something it’s not, it’s comfort food, done with a bit of flair.

A beetroot carpaccio with goat's cheese starter (£5.90) is elegant and packed with flavor. There's perhaps a little too much cheese but that's easily forgiven once you've tasted the obvious quality - it's beautifully creamy and tangy. A squid salad (£7.60) with heaps of fresh lime and chilli leaps off the plate, well-cooked squid and crisp leaves are well balanced.

For mains, classic hotel-style plates of crusted lamb with pea puree (£17.90) and a beef medallion (£23.50) with crushed potatoes are just that – classic. And for good reason: it's impressive meat, cooked well and served with well-chosen, tasty sides. No more, no less. The lamb is served truly pink and the minted pea puree works perfectly. The creamy sauce with the beef cuts through the rich meat and the garlicky crushed potatoes are well seasoned and al-dente.

The portions at BBB are large, so you might want to share a dessert, lest you're left to waddle. The banana cake with a toffee sauce and crème Anglaise (£6.90) is deliciously rich with moist sponge and indulgent cream, and just the right amount for two to share.

The Drinks
The real showstoppers at Beach Blanket Babylon are the cocktails. The front bar area is beautifully adorned and come Friday and Saturday nights will surely be packed to the rafters with the glamorous PAs of the city. The Pornstar Martini is surprisingly elegant, given its moniker, with vodka, mango and sugar syrup served alongside a delightful shot of rosé champagne. La Poire Martini is something of a legend amongst the regulars apparently – and its clear why, with it's refreshing fruitiness and deceptive hints of pear. You could easily knock a few of these back without considering the alcohol content.

The Last Word
If you’re looking for a pretty place to wow a pretty date, this is the spot. It’s no nonsense, good quality and relatively reasonable, but after a few of their excellent cocktails you probably won't care anyway.

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