arbutus, named after the tree that grows in the centre of nearby soho square, is a new restaurant that has been on my list of places to try for a while. it has just won the time out 2006 eating & drinking award for best new restaurant which spurred me to choose it for lunch with my friend elizabeth.

the restaurant is very simply decorated (perhaps a little bland) and became quite noisy as it filled up. the bar, as you enter, is set up for people who want to eat more casually which is a nice touch.