Perfectly situated for classic cocktails by Regent’s Canal, Proud East has a covered beer garden overlooking Kingsland Basin’s moored barges. Settle back and order Lychee Vodka Martini, Chilli Mojito or various hooch-spiked coffees – all at £9 on a 2-4-1 deal from 4pm to 9pm. Indoors, in a Scandinavian-influenced loft-style setting across two floors, you’ll find Brahma and Beck’s on tap; Curious Brew and Goose Island among the bottled beers; and Chilean Merlot (£22) from a 20-strong, sub-£40 list. The vibe is casual, with MacBook mavericks using the place as a daytime office and relaxing over breakfast (served until 12.30pm). At lunchtime or dinner, there’s a choice of salads and small plates – salmon and basil rillettes, say – plus mains that might include shepherd’s pie, clam linguine or mushroom Stroganoff in filo parcels. Afternoon teas, silent cinema and live music are also part of the picture at Proud Gallery’s hip new hangout.