Proper scones and cake

I was invited to try Little Nan’s new spot in the basement of the Rio Cinema in Dalston. As I said, there were all sorts of madness going on with the decor, but Instagram/Snapchat opps aside, the tea itself was wonderful: we’re talking proper scones with homemade jam, solid sandwiches, a choice of vicky sponge and carrot cake (both delish) and a very generous pot of those teapot cocktails we guzzled down with teacups.

As it happens, this ain’t the only place you can try this out 0n the East side at the mo. They’ve also popped up at the National Trust’s Grade-II listed Sutton House until the end of September, but they’ve toned things down a touch to include a tour of the house (it’s the oldest once in Hackney) and a bespoke cocktail with your name on it. Check out pics from my visit of the Rio Bar below – but for more info about Little Nan’s, head to www.littlenans.co.uk.

afternoon tea at Little Nan’s Rio Bar

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Read the best low-calorie cocktails in London.

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Alternatively, there’s steak brisket, pork belly, steam buns or vegetarian dishes on offer  if you fancy something different – but from what we’ve tried, Jubo’s original KFC is where it’s really at.  Hit ’em up on the weekend – they’re a good pick before the late night shenanigans.

Jubo is at 68 Rivington St, London EC2A 3AY. Open from Tuesday – Thursday, 6pm to midnight and Friday and Saturday, 6pm to late. For more info, visit: jubolondon.com

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Sticking up a middle finger to its former tenants ( a Christian mission), the venue’s subversive  theme goes in hard from the jump; the lighting’s incredibly low,  the “inbread” part of the menu is pitched at “sinners”, skeletons are depicted in the stained-glass ceiling breaking bread Last-Supper style – and of course, there’s an all-seeing eye thrown in. It’s a bold statement as even the menu offers a few gags (Bingo Wings, badoom-ching! And you may not want to know the colloquial meaning of “Monkey Fingers“), but it was hard to laugh off the bright red cocktail called, er, Time Of The Month (!?). Still, the Donkey Punch cocktail (ahem) made with  lime juice, ginger beer and absinthe and the fruity Tipping The Velvet (double-ahem), were thankfully, quality Plan Bs, even if their names leave much to be desired.

First impressions aside, the food itself had some impressive highlights. For starters, those monkey fingers and chilli cheese fries are an absolute-must – and while we were less wooed by the fried pickles (tempura-style, nothing remarkable), the currywurst served over fries was also a great choice.  As for mains, the red chilli burger and cheeseburger  were cool and just what you’d expect  (although a friend was slightly overwhelmed by the spiciness of the green chilli burger), but my hat goes off to the delicious brilliance that is the roast beef sundae.  It looks deceptively sweet, but this creation is simply garlic mash and gravy with roast beef, horseradish cream, topped with a cherry tomato.

Considering there are other burger outlets that are more notorious for their food (Patty & Bun, Lucky Chip and Honest Burgers),  time will tell if MEATMission‘s restaurant credentials can match the hipness of their brand. But it seems like the sort of venue that’ll make a killing on the weekends as it’s near the heart of most of the Shoreditch action, it’s not too pricey, the music’s good, there’s yummy cocktails and it  has the right kind of starters for grazing – what more could a food-loving coolhunter ask for?

For more info, visit: www.meatmission.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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The menu offers great British classics, all produced freshly every day using top ingredients. You can get brunch at the weekend including poached duck eggs or the traditional sausage sandwich.  The dinner menu is equally adventurous and classic at the same time with quail, duck and sweet potato fries all featured on the menu.

Drinks are on the pricey side, but for London you don’t get much cheaper, and they are worth it. Overall, it’s a great place to go to catch up with friends as it has the balance of a busy bar with a great atmosphere but not too noisy that you can’t chat and hear people, a problem I find more and more with London bars ( though maybe that’s just my age…). And I recommend my favourite cocktails –  the Carol Channing, a mixture of framboise and champagne and the Blueberry Caiparinha with organic abelha cachaca and homemade blueberry jam. (Words: Lucy Palmer) 

For more info, visit www.benugobarandkitchen.com

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The Lazy Afternoon (a fruity concoction with a refreshing splash of coconut)…

While you can also expect a pretty mean rum punch.

Foodwise, there’s a few seafood options in line with the Kona Kai theme – and where the Islander’s seafood salad is a delicious entree,  there’s also the obvious options of burgers, steaks and chips, while if you’re after the dessert, the ginger-laced triple chocolate brownie will exceed your expectations.

So with the food and drink ticked off and the friendly bar staff dressed for holiday,  all we need now is an invite to the luau! (Words: Matilda Egere-Cooper)

For more info visit www.konakai.co.uk

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