Moments away from the bustle of the Strand, this café and wine bar offers solace from the world outside. Like its big brother The Delaunay next door, the space is decorated in dark wood and brass with the addition of an eye-catching display of cakes, pastries and pies. During the day, the venue takes on the spirit of a central European café with customers stopping by for coffee and cake – our favourites being the buttery vanilla cheesecake and glossy Sachertorte. Pan-European savoury dishes are also a draw; flavour-packed borscht, pastrami Reubens and pork schnitzel come in big portions, making the takeaway option particularly useful. In the evening, the concise wine list, crisp European beers and hearty bar snacks are popular with time-poor theatre-goers. Try pairing the currywurst sausages with a tankard of Steigl beer, while we also recommend grazing on the smoked ham and salami selection. Warm staff, generous plates and a relaxed vibe make The Counter ideal for dining at any time of the day.