Restaurant review, Caravan Granary Building, London.

For the past four years I've cycled to work. The beginning of my journey has two main attractions. First, the offices of The Guardian. Never underestimate what nourishment to the soul a daily sighting of the enemy can provide. Second, what was a once a vast forest of cranes and concrete has, by some mysterious urban pupation, recently turned into one of London's most lovely piazzas. It takes the name of Granary Square, and on one side of it, next to a branch of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, is Caravan.

I cycled to the square a couple of times during the Olympics, part reconnaissance ahead of this report, and part an attempt to soak up the atmosphere of our sporting summer. What I saw was quite the picture- postcard: parallel fountains spurting water; children gambolling through their foamy residue; adults everywhere smiling and reading. Freed at last of the grey clouds that have hovered over us since March, this scene was the highlight of my year – apart from getting engaged and scoring 40 at Lord's for the Authors CC.

The Grade II-listed Granary Building, which dates back to 1851 and dominates this square like a playground bully, was given a special award by Mayor Boris Johnson in January in recognition of the clever planning behind architect Paul Williams' restoration. Its refurbishment was timed almost perfectly to start with my new cycling route, for which I am grateful, though the main beneficiary is the campus full of fashionistas, with their workshops, studios and salons.

Next door to them, however, the foodies should consider themselves pretty lucky, too. The interior of Caravan feels like an industrial-scale riposte to the summer bliss outside. It's warehouse-chic with a touch of class, all high wooden beams and low-hanging lights. The kitchen runs along one side, and behind the bar is a giant Probat coffee-roasting machine. The vibe, as at the sister restaurant on Exmouth Market a mile-and-a-half away, is humming and friendly. And the service is a triumph of professionalism and joy.

There are oysters, deep-fried or natural; seven choices under "bread, cheese, meats"; 14 small plates; five pizzas; five large plates; and gem salad, green beans or fries for sides, all at £3.

Let's do the positives first.

A few of the plates are wonderful. The jalapeño cornbread with chipotle butter (£3.50), baked cauliflower with smoked San Simon cheese, breadcrumbs and sage (£5.50), and chorizo-and-butternut-squash croquettes with saffron aioli (£6) are in this category. The ox tongue with mustard, honey and beetroot (£7) isn't far off, either.

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