Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan, owner of London cocktail bars Lyaness and Seed Library shares his food and drink picks for Hoxton with us.
F Cooke Eel and Pie House
150 Hoxton St, London N1 6SH
"The oldest pie and mash shop in London (1862!) has their home on Hoxton Street and was one of the early spots that made me fall in love with the character of the street (along with Shade's superlative, and very busy, Jerk Chicken van). They still make all their pies. Go for two small with mash and liquor, but make sure your table has vinegar and pepper to hand – essential additions. There's always such a timeless charm and energy to the space."
OKN1
40 Hoxton St, London N1 6LR
"Only open during term time, but a contender for best value lunch in the city. The training space (Front and Back of House) for the catering college, it serves delicious plates at just above a fiver, and you get to support the next generation of cooks and bar teams as they learn the ropes. Also has a massive garden! It's hard to get good fish and chips in London, but it's lovely (and only £6) here! "
Happiness Forgets
8-9 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU
"Another early adopter of the area (even older than us!), and still putting out some of the best classic style cocktails in the city (much better/friendlier than many of the more in-vogue neighbours!) in a very cosy environment. Order a Manhattan, hide away in the basement, and escape the chaos of the outside!"
Sông Quê
134 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8DY
"Kingsland Road remains a great destination for casual Vietnamese food that feels homely and nourishing. I used to come as a very poor art student, and the warmth and prices haven't changed much in the two decades that have followed. Some of the spaces have changed a bit, but Sông Quê remains a wonderful, buzzy restaurant with great dishes. Get the seafood pancake and the beef in betel leaf alongside more classic main dishes."
Sabretooth
285 Hoxton St, Whitmore Estate, London N1 5JX
"Great homemade chai and (as the Mr Lyan Studio asserts) some of the best coffee in the area. But also great homemade Indian dishes (come in the evening for tahli) alongside a real community spirit with great programming. They recently got robbed so show them some love and support!"
For more about Ryan Chetiyawardana, visit his website or follow him on Instagram @mrlyan.
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