Lane Bar & Kapok Tree

In close proximity to the lights, touts, sweet shops & general mayhem of Brick Lane, you’ll find this two-in-one venue on the ground floor of the City Hotel. The Lane Bar & Kapok Tree is at the Whitechapel end of the street, & thus out of the way of the lagered-up hordes seeking budget curry. Appropriately, it offers something a little more sophisticated & peaceful. The drinking area – an enjoyable spot for a cocktail – has been done up in City wine bar-style with black leather, dark wood & plenty of shiny surfaces. The restaurant itself makes a good business-lunch destination for spruced up Indian dishes such as spicy fish fingers Amritsari, mutton masala & saag gosht. Fish & chips, pasta & steaks are the ‘traditional’ choice on the menu, presumably for the jaded palates of the hotel guests.