This inn inspired George Orwell’s perfect vision of a pub in The Moon Under Water. It’s mini, so the tables are in high demand but it really is one of the loveliest duck-as-you-enter establishments in the capital. Plus there’s always an interesting foodie pop-up in the kitchen – previously Four Legs (now at The Plimsoll) and Puglian Tiella.

This understated noodle bar is a study in flavour, bringing together Malay and Chinese influences in the signature laksas. The soups are sour with a not- insignificant spicy kick (first timers should definitely stick to mild) and the Malaysian fried chicken is grease- free and crisp. An affordable midweek supper spot that never disappoints.

In a former laundrette in a slightly obscure corner of Highbury is the fishy sibling of north London favourites Primeur and Jolene. The old industrial block space is dominated by communal tables, the menu by the Cornish catch of the day – from mussels to monkfish. A banger of a neighbourhood restaurant in a previously overlooked enclave.

A small theatre with an international reputation, the Almeida is on a mission to launch the next generation of actors. And it frequently does, with productions such as Annie Ernaux’s The Years and Peter Morgan’s Patriots transferring straight to the West End. This is the place to come to be in the know about the London theatre scene.