Restaurant Reviews

44 Barnsbury St, Islington, London N1 1ER

This Islington pub is tucked down a quiet side street and remains one of the prettiest pubs in the borough. Run by Nick Gibson, the menu is a modern take on British pub grub. Grab a table in the garden if the weather's behaving itself.

2 Dirty Lane, London SE1 9PA

Barrafina comes from the Harts Group (also behind El Pastor) and the restaurants serve up some of the very best Spanish tapas in London. It's also predominantly about counter dining and if you manage to get a seat at that counter, the tapas (particularly the tortilla) will be worth it. There's also a bar, Bar Daskal, attached if you want to have a drink before or after.

Unit 7, The white building, 1st Floor,c/o CRATE Bar, Queen's Yard, London E9 5EN

This East London restaurant from Douglas McMaster is at the forefront of no-waste cooking (and restaurants) in London. McMaster has been involved in the no-waste initiative from the early days and has created a restaurant that both embraces the movement fully and showcases the excellent food that a no waste ethos can produce.

38 Groom Place, Belgravia, London SW1X 7BA

This sees Tom Aikens running a much more intimate restaurant than he's previously been known for. Counter dining is the order of the day, so you can see the chefs properly in action. The menu is based around Aikens' life and experience. Expect a lot of attention to detail in the presentation.