La ventana restaurant in Hackney

Like so many we hadn't dined out in a long time and my clever husband suggested to sulky me a mid-week local pick-us-up treat. I can only say wow. We loved Ceres when we last visited in 2019 but the tasting menu tonight with matched wines was out of this world and a steal at the price. Deservedly Michelin-recognised cuisine with such a friendly and professional face (just two young women currently run the whole outfit including single handedly chef-ing and wonderful front of house). Ceres is walking distance for us and we are grateful because it is a destination-grade restaurant. Fine dining for £48pp.

Laura has created the most welcoming and fun atmosphere in this sweet boutique Italian bakery. The coffee was so good we had to hold back from ordering a third! We ate the scrambled eggs with parmesan and it was 10/10 delicious. London needs more authentic places like this!

This is my go-to lunch spot! I have tried soo many things from the menu and they are all great! My top favourites are the sweet chilli Korean fried chicken and the chicken katsu curry! Place is clean, staff are very friendly and food is delicious ✨

I’ve been to the Plough quite a few times over a couple of years. It’s a nice pub, the staff are friendly and they have a cocktail menu and decent draught selection. They have screens for the sports lovers and there are guest chefs now and again mixing up their menu. I’ve never been to their basement club but they do have one! And their roast is really nice!

We came to the Muddy Puddle last night to spin a few records, to be honest, but we couldn't bring ourselves to leave. Ben and Phoebe have made the perfect local venue with a very laid-back but positive atmosphere. Between the buzzing bar upstairs, beautiful back garden, and intimate live music area downstairs, there are plenty of comfy corners for conversation/hanging out. The coffee was exquisite, the food looks excellent (we haven't eaten there, YET), but what totally make it stand out is the unique energy and personalities of the owners which permeate the place. If I lived nearby this would be my favourite haunt. Our (totally unsolicited) verdict: 11/10!