The UK’s first speciality cereal café, owned by identical twins Alan and Gary Keery opened in Brick Lane recently and sent everyone into a nostalgia frenzy (the queues are still insane on weekends). The café offers over 120 different cereals from around the world along with 30 different varieties of milk, all against a backdrop of 80s and 90s memorabilia. Definitely a must for those wanting to relive their childhood morning sugar rush – only here, you can pop in for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Such acutely stylish venues rarely last, but after a decade Yauatcha can add longevity to its enviable list of attributes. So why do people still glide down the stairs of this self-styled Taipai tea house into its sensual basement? The design helps: the long bar, spot-lit black tables and illuminated fish tank still have allure, and the nightclub vibe is boosted by beautiful staff and bass-heavy beats. Even being shunted away to seats behind the staircase has benefits (privacy).
And there’s substance behind the style. Day-and-night dim sum was a Yauatcha innovation, and a special of scallop and edamame crystal dumplings produced three delicate, pendulous sacs filled with a textural mix of resilient beans, crunchy carrot morsels, flavourful fragments of scallop and juicy sweetcorn. A definite must.
The former metal box factory in Guildford Street now plays home to Hixter Bankside which follows the success of Hixter City which opened its doors in November 2013. Neons and artwork by artists Tracey Emin, Tim Noble and more adorn the walls and the area is divided into different rooms including The Parlour and the award-winning Mark’s bar as well as space for a private party for up to 70 guests. The food features more British seasonal starters and ‘large hunks of meat’ designed for sharing. Don’t leave until you’ve tried a seasonal cocktail in the basement
