Oliver Peyton has been causing quite a stir in foodie circles across the capital with his ever increasing list of ventures. Unfortunately, whilst The National Cafe at The National Gallery may look the part, some dishes are very far from becoming culinary works of art.

The Venue
As you'd expect from a dining space located within The National Gallery, The National Cafe is nothing short of impressive. Designed by David Collins, The National Cafe boasts formidable attention to detail from the geometric ceiling lights to the Gallery's original flooring. The dark red leather banquette seating is ideal for couples who wish to dine intimately, side by side, whilst gazing out over their fellow diners. Meanwhile, the more formal dark wood dining tables are often pushed together to house large groups of wealthy bohemian art lovers.

The Atmosphere
The gentle hum of animated conversations and laughter makes for relaxed dining, even in such formal surroundings. Service is delightfully friendly and knowledgeable yet still manages to remain fabulously unobtrusive. The mix of diners ranges from couples who have just visited the latest art exhibition at the adjoining National Gallery to groups of friends who have dropped by for a spur-of-the-moment meal, all of which help to maintain the upbeat atmosphere.

The Food
If fine food is an art, Oliver Peyton's offering at The National Cafe is far from being a masterpiece but it does get full marks for effort. The seasonally inspired menu features several stand-outs from imaginative breakfast options such as vanilla toast with warm berries and yoghurt to daily specials such as haddock but The National Cafe is best known for its wide range of comfort food including macaroni cheese and salt beef sandwiches. The takeaway option is popular especially at breakfast and lunchtimes.

Whilst there aren't any designated starters, the cold portion of the menu includes several salads which work well as a precursor to the main courses. Hot dishes are sadly disappointing - Scottish sirloin steak with bearnaise sauce can be a distinctly average cut whilst many of the fish options may be a little rare for your average Londoner's tastebuds.

However, the desserts more than make up for it. The National Catastrophe is a triumph of ice cream, fresh raspberries and marshmallows and is big enough for two to share - although you may wish you had kept it to yourself. For a truly unique flourish, their homemade vanilla ice cream can be combined with a dizzying selection of ripples and toppings (including lemon meringue, crushed cherry, caramel, marshmallow, apple crumble and of course, chocolate chips) to create your own bespoke dish.

The Drink
The cocktails at The National Cafe are deliciously more-ish. The Strawberry and Vanilla Mule and Pear Bellini are both recommended. A small selection of wines is accompanied by an equally brief list of deliciously original beers including National Pilsner, Trafalgar Tap London Ale and Paulaner Wheat Beer. Fruit juice blends include Cucumber and Mint with Apple and Elderflower and Banana, Orange and Yoghurt with Honey. Round off your meal with a choice from nine different ways of taking your coffee or try a cup of tea - options include builder's tea, nectar tea and sleepy tea.

The Last Word
Whilst The National Cafe at The National Gallery certainly isn't producing haute cuisine, when it comes to comfort food, inventive breakfasts and decadent desserts it is hard to fault.

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