Dalston is packed with traditional Turkish restaurants. Umut 2000 is a favourite for a quick halloumi wrap, but for a contemporary take and more of an evening destination, it has to be Mangal II. There might be courgette fritters with a celeriac cream and pickled fennel, grilled onion flatbreads and lamb belly with house chilli sauce. Nothing will disappoint.

The speciality here is NYC-style bagels, which are bigger, doughier and more heavily seasoned than the London beigel. It’s run by ex-New Yorkers Georgia and Gabriel “Papo” Gomez and there are seven flavours to choose from, baked fresh every day. We love the Everything, with schmear, scallion and lox.

Londoners queue to groove to some retro jazz, RnB, 90’s classics and dance floor fillers every weekend. Small but always buzzing, Ridley Road Market Bar is where the cool gals are headed for a late-night Mojito and some shameless dancing. 

Find the best flatbreads in town at this little stall on Ridley Road Market. Stock up on the blistered and soft naan-like bakes for the freezer, or order one for lunch with cheese, egg or keema-style meat. Simple, affordable and satisfying.