East London is a treasure trove of cuisine and culture, with its curry shops and bagels known worldwide. With new dining experiences popping up almost weekly, see our round-up below of local places to try*, all within walking distance of The Loom.
Lahore Kebab House
2-10 Umberston Street, London. E1 1PY. 6 min walk.
Serving authentic and budget friendly curried dishes, Lahore has been a local’s secret for many years. While the unassuming frontage and bare interiors lack a certain je ne sais quoi, the sumptuous flavours of the inspired dishes certainly do not disappoint. Head here for a real taste of Lahore, with none of the fuss and minimal cost.
Funky Cellar
10A Lamb Street, London E1 6EA. 16 min walk.
If simple dining with fantastic cheese and sublime French wine is your go-to, then the unmissable Funky Cellar should be the top of your list. Serving charcuterie for days amidst vintage art and fashion, with a definitive 70’s feel, this laid-back eatery serves a very serious dose of funk. Beware, although the food is reasonable, you may just break the bank with the fresh produce and vintage wears the shop has to offer as you leave.
Kenza
10 Devonshire Square, City Of London, London EC2M 4YP. 16 min walk.
If sumptuous interiors and extravagant feasts are your aim, then look no further than the dazzling Kenza. Situated downstairs via a candlelit and jewel laden staircase, the bar and two dining areas are reminiscent of a Bedouin palace and transport you for the evening from the smog of the city to an exotic land of your own. With traditional Lebanese fair, served in huge portions, its ideal for groups of friends or co-workers.
Smoking Goat Chicken Shop
64 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JJ. 22 min walk.
If you’ve been in the area for some time, chances are you’ve dashed through the streets of Shoreditch to the hugely popular Smoking Goat. Beloved among locals and the trendiest of workers, the Goat has now branched out with its own take on the ‘Friday night favourite’ fried chicken. The rebrand will run as a special addition from March 3rd to April 2nd 2023, before it returns to the familiar dishes we all know and love.
Serving an array of authentic Thai dishes with a new fried twist and an abundance of cocktails and local craft beers in a laid-back wooden interior, it may just be worth taking that extended lunch break.
Angler
South Place Hotel, 3 South Place, London EC2M 2AF. 25 min walk.
All-important client dinner? Angler may just be your best bet, with a gleaming monochrome interior and service as sharp as the linens, this glamourous Michelin star hotspot is sure to impress. Seafood is the name of the game with seasonal British pairings, including smatterings of truffle throughout.
Rochelle Canteen
Rochelle School, 16 Playground Gardens, London. E2 7FA. 26 min walk.
Top of the list for the creative kids, Rochelle’s buzzing outdoor service is the perfect spot to wile away a sunny afternoon while filling up on sumptuous game. With a regularly changing menu, the food ranges from snails to wild boar but usually remains old school. Head here to impress your date, but plan a visit first, the entrance can be somewhat challenging to find.
Gloria
54-56 Great Eastern Street, Hackney, London Ec2A 3Qr, London EC2A 3QR. 26 min walk.
If kitsch interiors and gut-busting pizza is your bag, head to nonna’s house. The bizzarely executed Gloria offers doilies and religious art galore, along with properly done pizza. Big doughy bases and hefty helpings of pasta will leave you glad of the soft interiors to sink into when you’re done.
*The Loom is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned and does not take responsibility for any of the opinions listed above.
