Ask For Janice

The name is inspired by a Beastie Boys track, but a Michael Jackson album is your clue to uncovering this Smithfield diner’s hidden secret – an ‘off the wall’ liquor lair below stairs (imagine a wood-panelled box room tagged with graffiti). Gin is the craic here, with more than 50 brands (and counting) in cocktails or in your ‘perfect serve’ G&T which, according to Janice, could well be Opihr with Fevertree tonic water, cardamom and orange. There’s also an extensive range of craft beers ranging from Hackney Hopster to Fuller’s Wild River (also available in taster flights), while 18 accessibly priced wines promise the likes of Portuguese vinho verde and Argentinian Malbec. Janice’s favourite snacks are yours for the asking for a modest outlay – think deep-fried sprats, chicken crackling and lardo on toast with peppers and pickled chilli.