Food for thought: tempted by the other side

The North Pole, 131 Greenwich High Road, SE10 (0181-853 3020) Locals know The North Pole as an old boozer but the owners decided not to change the name so people would know where to find it. It will also give north-of-the-river restaurant reviewers something to write about - it's probably easier to get to the real North Pole etc. However, when the DLR is finally completed, Canary Wharf will only be eight minutes away. The bar will be open all day, every day from this weekend and the restaurant will be open from Tuesday for lunch and dinner (closed Mondays). Owners Robbie O'Neill and Shaun Wilson have already identified other sites in south- east London with a view to further developments.

One Lawn Terrace, 1 Lawn Terrace, Blackheath, SE3 (0181-355 1110) Owner Nick Hall says he opened his 150-seat restaurant for purely selfish reasons. "I didn't want to have to travel all the way into London for quality dining." Local residents seem to agree with him and the restaurant is doing a brisk trade, especially at the weekends. Very popular is the Sunday brunch, when harrassed parents can even read the Sunday papers thanks to the resident nannies. Expansion plans include a deli and a cafe downstairs.

Chapter Two 43-45 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath, SE3 (0181-333 2666) Numbers are obviously popular when it comes to naming restaurants in south-east London, as is proved by Chapter Two, which opens in the next few weeks. This modern European restaurant will offer lunch and dinner at pounds 16 for two courses, pounds 19.50 for three.

Spread Eagle, 1-2 Stockwell St, SE10 (0181-853 2333) It may not be new - having been around for nearly 30 years - but this restaurant is certainly worth a mention. And if you go for lunch you can always drop in for a spot of antique hunting at its shop next door.