Top 5 best of British

From traditional English dishes in the ideal definition of a British brasserie to organic meats at the jewel in the crown of the royal parks, Fay Maschler reveals her favourite places to tuck into some unpretentious homegrown cooking...

Jack's Place
My files reveal that I first reviewed Jack King's stalwart British restaurant in 1973, when a meal for two was about £6. I described him as a former lorry driver; a newly published guide says erstwhile fairground boxer. Whatever, Jack is still going strong, overseeing his family deliver a vintage menu - steaks a speciality - cooked with practice and generosity.

Medcalf
Albert Sydney Medcalf opened a butcher's shop in Exmouth Market in 1912. The listed facade and a worn-down butcher's block to the left of the entrance are reminders at Justin Unsworth's most agreeable year-old bar and restaurant. Chef James Thomson, who has worked at St John, deals with indigenous produce with expected verve.

Fortnum's Fountain
If the opening hours stretched beyond 7.45pm, this swanky store café would be the ideal definition of a British brasserie. A flexible menu homes in on traditional English dishes including a champion Welsh rarebit which can be garnished with grilled tomatoes and bacon, a dish suited to any time of day. Teas and coffee are excellent, ices exuberant.

Inn The Park
Restaurateur Oliver Peyton was determined to buy British for this jewel in the crown of the royal parks. He went to Neal's Yard for cheeses, to small suppliers for organic meats. At an all-day venue, satisfying various requirements is difficult - there have been disappointments - but I consider Inn the Park a truly wonderful addition to London.

Rivington Grill Bar Deli
It is rumoured that Mark Hix of The Ivy and Le Caprice is involved. The menu certainly reflects someone's love of excellent, unpretentious cooking. Devilled lamb's kidneys on toast, honey-and-mustard baked ham, roast partridge with bread sauce are dishes you'd like to come home to but seldom do.

Note: prices above estimate the cost of a meal with wine for one.