Hackney, International Restaurant Guide

“Paradise for serious foodies” – “a street notorious for once being crime-ridden is now home to Hackney’s best-value dining experience: £39 for a seven-course tasting menu”, according to practically all reports on ex-Pidgin chef, Adolfo de Cecco’s “intimate-feeling” foodie venture. “Thoughtful food is excellently executed by a team with evident passion” and if “a few technical slip-ups can creep in, the charming, passionate service (often by the chefs themselves) more than makes up for this”.

“Fantastic-quality smoked meat” from Elliot Cunningham’s small, to-the-point menu (promising ‘a British-Swedish live-fire fusion’) is served “in a beer-hall-style location” at this heart-of-Hackney brew pub (fka St John at Hackney), which is rated on limited early feedback (all of it very upbeat). It’s set in a railway arch (of course it is!), and with a garden for sunny days.

A 'two-floor fun factory' in Dalston, primarily a bar and club, but featuring some interesting foodie pop-ups and residencies.

A new tea house, bar and delicatessen in trendy Stokey serving up a globally inspired cocktail menu from bartender Richard Hunt (thrice Bartender of the Year) who has previously shaken libations at Milk & Honey, Mahiki and Hawksmoor. The food draws ingredients from Middle Eastern, Asian and Mediterranean larders.