The Stage Door, Waterloo

Friday night drinks with friends inevitably led to perusing The Stage Door's menu. There was a typical pub selection of nachos, bangers and mash, burgers etc. The rest of the group chose to share a meat and vegetarian platter, onion rings, chips and nachos. I didn't fancy it - I wanted a burger.

It came about twenty minutes later and was a very decent sized portion. Left open for easy addition of sauces, it had fresh lettuce and beef tomato, a rather measly slice of pickled gherkin, cheese which was plentiful and oozing down the side, and a good big rasher of bacon. The meat was good: it was a thick burger which seemed to be good quality and tasted slightly smoked, as if cooked on a barbeque. The chips were equally delicious, not greasy and again, tasted fresh. The others made quick work of the sharing plates which were apparently very good. I was very pleasantly surprised. Washed down with a glass of red wine I have had much worse meals for much much more.

One course and a glass of wine: £11 per head

Value: 7/10

Service: 8/10

Atmosphere: 6/10

Food: 7/10

SCORE: 28/40

The Stage Door, 28-30 Webber Street, London, SE1 8QA. Tel: 020 7928 8964.