The menu comes from Jones & Sons, which has been wooing East Londoners on Arcola Street for the past year after taking up residence in the former Arcola Theatre. There’s hardly any qualms about the food – the salmon tartare was a mildly rich starter which put a smile on my face; the confit lamb belly was a beautiful and creative combo of well-cooked lentils, beetroot and goats curd; and the sticky toffee pudding won on all accounts of 1) being included on the menu and 2) being so darn good. The treacle tart might have had the same accolade if the sweetness was dialed down a notch, but generally, we’d come back with empty bellies, quite possibly for the Sunday lunch.

Further praise goes to the cocktails – especially the Hemingway with it sharp mix of white rum, grapefruit, lime and maraschino. These were £7.50 a pop, and with the price of three courses, you might be set back a fairly reasonable 30-40 odd quid – but it’s worth the spend at this impressive new kid on the East End block which I’m happy to say ticks all the right boxes.

For more information, visit www.tripspace.co.uk/food-drink

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Kamique also offers a decent selection of  food, especially if you’re looking to visit before a night at the theatre – and we personally recommend the lip-smacking, towering Smoked Special with its super-crisp onion rings, smoked cheddar, bacon and BBQ sauce.

So for your chance to enjoy this and more at Kamique this autumn, simply fill in your details below – the competition closes on November 15th and a winner will be chosen at random. Good luck!

For more details about Kamique, visit: www.kamiquebar.co.uk

Click here to read our Competition T&Cs…

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There’s a three course meal (£17.50 at lunchtime, £25 in the evening), designed by trusted foodie experts Blanch & Shock is served supperclub style,  and laid directly on the table in front of the diner before wrapped up with dessert (which includes a 24 carat gold leaf!) and a chance to try the new Bailey’s Chocolate Luxe liqueur, the reason behind this delightful soiree.

Naturally, it wouldn’t be a food party without Bombas and Parr: the renowned jelly sculpturers. They have branched out slightly from their favourite wobbly material and now can be found designing all sorts of food/art installations that test the very boundaries of our foodie understanding. And, they are quite fun too –  before dinner, they contribute  a chocolate scent and flavour experience for the exhibitio  part of Bar Chocolat, which is free to the public. There’s also a video installation from Tabitha Denholm and an edible art installation from Amelia Rope  (made of chocolate of course), put together in collaboration with Petra Storrs,  a Norwegian set designer who has worked with Lady Gaga and Paloma Faith.

It made our Friday afternoon last week – and although it wraps up today, the first 30 people who head over for the 6:30 or 8:30 servings will get to experience both the  exhibition and the supperclub complimentary (!) – so that’s your Monday evening sorted.  (Words: Laura Thornley)

For more info visit: http://barchocolatlondon.com/#toc1

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So full of paradoxes, these little chestnuts are, that I don’t feel at liberty to review with the usual degree of forensic detail, for fear of denting the magic that lies in wait. Understandably a whole part of the fun to be had is the slow unveiling, the unwrapping of layers, as you make your way to the Mayor. It sits unassumingly underneath the Breakfast Club in Spitalfields and I wonder how much extra trade the neighbouring pub has received courtesy of those who failed to ask the right questions or gave up before even trying. Had it not been for my more educated guide, I may have very nearly been one of the latter.

I could pick out of some of the brighter stars from The Mayor’s cocktail menu constellation – the selection is well and good – but it comes into its own thanks its inventive bar staff. Affable to a tee, with just a few hints of how you like your favoured tipple, they can conjure you some distilled delight.

But there’s was great benefit of secret bars, that isn’t immediately obvious. Whilst the web is awash with a list of rooftop bars to have your afternoon drinks served with added vitamin D, anyone arriving after the masses clock off will be hard-pressed (really hard-pressed) to find space to breathe, let alone queue. And so, for those of us who prefer our air to our tan, maybe the secret bar is the perfect antidote to summer over-crowding? Tell that to the Mayor’s bar staff and they’ll be sure to mix in an ample measure. Just make sure to say that you’re “here for the Mayor”. (Words: Will Prince) 

For more info, visit: www.themayorofscaredycattown.com

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On a recent invite, we had the pleasure of sampling the Brunch menu which has a decent share of early day options, such as the buttermilk pancakes, bacon or cumberland sausage on a brioche bun, or a humble English brekkie on toast, all for a mere six quid.  But it was lunch we were after, so tucked into the smoked haddock & colcannon fishcakes with poached egg and  salad (generous and flavoursome) and the lamb burger with triple cooked chips we could have eaten twice over if we weren’t so full.  And the best bit?  Both are less than a tenner.

As for drinks, the idea of an alcoholic smoothie seemed a little bit too tempting to resist – and while Don’t Be A Strawberry Fooled (fresh strawberries, pineapple juice, santa teresa gran reserva rum, coconut water) could have been sweeter, we didn’t mind the spicy kick of Show Me Your Melons, made with watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, santa teresa gran reserva rum, mint and chilli. 

With top-notch food and drinks, Stories should effortlessly pull in the crowds because of its simple appeal and the fact it’ll be  running regular events, like its Shoreditch sis.  It might become the new hipster’s paradise, mind you, but for now it’s a welcome new kid on the block that’s too friendly to not like.  (Words: Matilda Egere-Cooper)

For more info, visit: www.storiesonbroadway.com

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But as keen I was to visit, this was dampened by our inability to find the place. After wandering Rivington Street for a good 10 minutes we gave up and asked someone who punched a code in a door and told us to follow the stairs up. I get they want to keep the place secretive but c’mon a sign on the door would help!

Once we arrived, I went for the classic a Hurricane cocktail. And it was good, well mixed in an ice cold glass and it made me nostalgic for a night in Pat O’Briens. But beware they’re deceptively strong, and  it was only when my group stood up to leave we had to admit we were all feeling it.

The decor has a vintage, New Orleans feel with dark green leather booths, shutters, piano and ceiling fans, but you can tell it’s only been open a month as everything is still new and bit too shiny. In a few months when it’s more worn and used it’ll be perfect.

It’s a small and intimate venue only open Tuesday- Saturday, 6pm – midnight, with 12-3pm reserved for members. Given its hard to find it was quiet when we went, but I imagine its late night you need to go, with live music regularly on. And as membership is free with just a donation going to charity of your choice, it’s great if you’re always looking for a late night place to continue the party.

At the time of writing, the kitchen wasn’t up and running, but I imagine this will draw  me back to try the cooking, and if its anything as good as their cocktails it’s safe to say its going to be good. (Words: Lucy Palmer) 

For more info, visit: www.nola-london.com

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As they’re all about slow cooked meats and messy eats, we went for the sweet and spicy chicken wings (massive and juicy), the New York hot dog (as awesome as the real deal) and the extremely flavoursome brisket chilli and crushed guacamole, which just about left us room to tuck into the homemade brownie which comes with cornish ice cream.  And the pricing for everything averaged at a more than comfortable £30 for two people (not including drinks).

It was a shame we didn’t manage to try the craft beers and pulled pork which we’ve heard amazing things about – but from our first impression, this is just two more reasons to give Lazybones another visit (hopefully sooner than later).

For more info, visit: www.lazybones.uk.com

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As central London’s largest rooftop bar, if you’re for looking for somewhere a bit special  – perhaps for a date or celebration –  just take the lift up to the sixth floor and stop by for a drink. Fitting in with the impressive surroundings is a drinks menu which of course features champagne and cocktails (though the usual bar drinks are all available). My favourite was the Gin Mary, a Bloody Mary given an update with bacon (!) infused gin.  It gives it an extra kick that somehow works and makes you wonder why more drinks don’t have bacon added to them.

It’s certainly not the cheapest bar in the capital but considering the location it is the perfect place if you’re looking for something special and areas can be hired making it great for a birthday celebration. As for  food, the menu is a relaxed mix of nibbly bits, salads and snacks perfect for picking and even includes caviar if you really want to go all out.

Despite  the chilly winter months ahead,  Vista plans to cover the roof and put on extra heating for comfort, so it’ll be worth the visit – just note  it gets busy and is often used for private events – plus there’s a £5 entry charge after 4pm, though they do donate a £1 to charity.  (Words: Lucy Palmer) 

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Speakeasy bars, of course, are nothing new, taking inspiration from the 1920s and 30s US prohibition laws, where  people were forced to head to clandestine back room bars in search of a little tipple. These days, speakeasies can be found in every major city in the world. Flat P is as genuine as you can get, and basks in candlelit darkness like an unattended, but gorgeously furnished, film set. Seating is sparse, with a choice of velvet benches or  bar seats, and the music runs towards 1930s war tunes rather than the latest top 10. In the halflight, the cocktail menu can be tricky to make out, but this is where the bartenders come into their own – they’re infinitely knowledgeable and give them a few keywords and watch them weave their magic. (Words: Charlotte Lydia) 

For more info about Dach & Sons, visit www.dachandsons.com

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