Restaurant Reviews

51 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QL

The team behind Dalston's Dan's wine bar is also behind Ken's in Exmouth Market, in a much a larger venue than its predecessor. here, there's a seasonal menu with Basque influences, featuring small plates and sharing dishes cooked on a Koro grill. As for drinks, the extensive wine selection focuses on smaller producers, offering both natural and classic wines.

Arch S12 Water Lane, Hawley Wharf, London NW1 8JY

Chef Paul Foster, of Michelin-starred Salt in Stratford-Upon-Avon, is behind Grassfed in Camden's Hawley Wharf, focusing on grass-fed beef cooked over coals. Menu highlights include a beef hotdog with truffle mayo, a shareable beef rib, and BBQ dayboat fish. Foster aims to promote quality British-sourced meat and raise awareness about regenerative farming.

11 Highbury Park, London N5 1QJ

Saltine is a neighbourhood restaurant in Highbury that comes from Fink's founders Mat Appleton and Jess Blackstone. Inside a somewhat tardis-like space that opens up at the back to a glass-roofed dining room it has coffee, pastries, and grab-and-go dishes during the day, while the evening menu is "led by provenance, joyful cooking and sustainability".

Netil House, 1 Westgate St, London E8 3RL

James Dye, co-owner of Frank’s Café and The Camberwell Arms, took over the old Bright space in Netil House, creating a music-centric wine bar and restaurant. Alongside the food, there's a vintage sound system, record shelves, and a DJ booth. it all transitions from coffee and sandwiches during the day to a wine-focused restaurant in the evenings.