The co-founder of Sune in Hackney (one of Hot Dinners reader's favourite openings in 2023) and the person responsible for its wine programme, Spencer's background includes working at everywhere from Sager + Wilde to Noma and Akoko. She's just published her first book, Natural Wine, No Drama which is all about making natural wine approachable.
The Dove
24-28 Broadway Market, London E8 4QJ
There is no finer and more east London pub establishment to split the G than at The Dove, found smack bang in the middle of Broadway Market. It feels like a big swig of history every time you visit, whether crowded outside with mates on a weekend night or as I often found myself for chunks of time hunkered in the back during the week trying to finish my book ’Natural Wine, No Drama’, while trying not to get distracted by insider music business gossip from the tables beside me.
Yuki Bar
426 Reading Ln, London, E8 1DS (reopens 17 January)
The kind of place that should never really work due to its fairly remote location in the maze of railway arches north of London Fields, but due to its patron, couldn’t be anything but a smash hit. Yuki, former sommelier at Noma and Charlie’s ex colleague is as eccentric and iconic as they come, and their low counter seating and small plates menu made of Japanese comfort dishes is our favourite place to head after work on a Sunday to sink into a good bottle and bump into industry friends.
Forno
322 Andrews Rd, London E8 4RP
We thanked our Hackney stars when this Italian bakery (or Pastificio) opened on our cycle route from home to Sune. East Londoner’s will know this address by heart, but for those visiting do not miss this Maritozzi and pizza by-the-slice haven tucked just off Mare Street. Oh, and if you’ve not tried the world’s best hangover cure - the Italian bitter drink Chianto - they keep that in their fridges too. You know… just in case.
Whytes
Unit 3, 143 Mare Street, E8 3RH
I’ve not yet tried this restaurant on Mare Street but I’m absolutely desperate to (Editor's note - Honey needs to move quick as the restaurant closes for good on 28 February). All the dishes coming out of the kitchen are bold and so creative - I’m sure bound to piss off traditionalists but that only adds to the allure for me. Plantain banoffee triple or sea urchins with salt and vinegar crisps, anyone? See you there very soon.
Miga
1 Mare St, London E8 4RP
If you haven’t sauntered over to Miga yet, then you need to, stat. Run by three generations of the same Korean family, Miga is an additictive blend of old and new, old and young, minimalist interiors and maximalist Korean flavour. They are also so loveable, and I hope for my sake the once pop-up space has finally found a more permanent lodger.
For more of these local area guides, visit the My Manor page.
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