Bistrotheque

A decade after it opened its doors to the creative in-crowd, this 1930s' edifice has been given a bit of a makeover – although it remains a buzzy one-off with a reputation far beyond E2. Head upstairs to find a white-walled, high-ceilinged space with a handsome bar of epic American proportions to one side. Nibble on small plates here, or trade up to the main menu – a trendy A3 spread embellished with arty squiggles. France and Italy meet home-grown Brit, and the results are ‘spot on': regulars such as onglet with béarnaise are joined by the likes of grilled lamb rump with butternut-squash purée or roast cod with fennel and white beans, plus an eclectic selection of wines, beers and cocktails. The two-hour turnaround on tables may sit rather uneasily in such convivial surrounds, but ‘lovely staff' will ensure your stay is very pleasant.