Food & Drink
Spread Eagle, Homerton, food review: ‘There can be roast without the ruthlessness’
The pub’s pre-Tier 4 festive feast proves today’s vegans ‘really can have it all – apart from good imitation cheese, apparently’
Read MoreEat Hackney Vegan Cookbook, Helena Smith: ‘A smorgasbord of food ideas suitable for everyone’
Try your hand at recipes donated by chefs across the borough in support of local causes
Read MoreFull of beans
Our resident food historian on all manner of beans, from ‘glorious mush’ to a variety for the dead, and a very talented woman who painted them
Read MoreThe Joys of Sludge
Our resident food historian on beauty in beige, and why ordinary folks in the Middle Ages had it right with their ‘dreary but delicious’ diet
Read MoreMaison Patron, Blackstock Road, food review: ‘Dinky and delightful’
This French gem, which was open for just one week before lockdown forced it to close, is ‘ready to charm once more’
Read MoreNuno at The Scolt Head, De Beauvoir Town, food review: ‘Little pub with a big heart’
Celebrated chef Nuno Mendes teams up with publican Rosie Wesemann to create a ‘local oasis serving scrumptious food with friendly charm’
Read MoreCarry on up the Cupola
Our resident food historian explores the compelling history of a special Tuscan stew, and dispels a fanciful myth about its origins
Read MoreNebula Pizza, Hackney Road, food review: ‘A little slice of heaven’
This brand new restaurant made out of shipping containers offers a ‘safe, fun, and jolly good night out’
Read MoreFilthy Buns, Dalston, food review: ‘Joyous venue with staff and style to match’
This inventive burger joint at the Three Compasses pub will put a huge grin on your face
Read MoreSome like it hot
Our resident food historian on chillies, and why it’s the flavour, not the heat, that is important
Read MorePadella, Shoreditch, food review: ‘Buzzing addition to East London – even if the food is slightly underwhelming’
This haven for pasta fans, recovering from a pre-Covid launch, offers ‘la dolce vita without needing pockets as deep as Donatella Versace’
Read MoreExploding grannies and sleepy pears
Our resident food historian on Italian legends and the joys of pears with cheese
Read MoreFlat Earth Pizza at The Plough, Homerton, food review: ‘Inventive grub that doesn’t hurt the planet’
Our reviewer emerges from lockdown for a ‘guilt-free evening of astounding food’ at this vegan pizzeria-in-a-pub
Read MoreAll the fun of the furlough
Our resident food historian takes us through the intrepid legionary’s enforced break, during which he keeps himself busy with sidelines in saffron and fish sauce
Read MoreSusanna’s Manners
Our resident food historian on 17th-century childcare, from high chairs ‘built like battleships’ to ‘fearsome’ baby walkers
Read MoreBeanz meanz…
In search of a suitable lockdown subject, our resident food historian hits upon a humble tin of black-eyed beans in her kitchen cupboard
Read MoreVIDEO: How to sprout beans at home
Debbie Mitchener of Cordwainers Grow shows you how to grow your own beansprouts in lockdown
Read MoreCoronavirus: How local restaurants are adapting to the lockdown
Switching to deliveries, teaming up with local charities, turning into farm shops – businesses across East London are changing to survive
Read MoreLockdown distractions: How to make a tasty tiramisu
Try your hand at a bit of cooking as Clara Hernanz shows you how to whip up this decadent Italian classic
Read MoreFeast for the eyes
Our resident food historian on Tudor banquets, Mantel, and the two Thomases
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