Interview: Jon Darby, Founder of Sorbito, Agave Tasting Room & Shop
From city trader to artisanal mezcal importer, Jon Darby’s journey has certainly been an interesting one and now it’s taken him to Stoke Newington Road, where he’s just opened Sorbito, a tasting room and bottle shop specialising in this revered agave spirit
Where to Spend New Year’s Eve in East London
Looking for somewhere bold, buzzy and unmistakably East London to ring in 2026? From sky-high glamour to gritty warehouse raves, here are our picks of the coolest places to celebrate New Year’s Eve — complete with typical entry prices and links so you can book before they sell out…
45 Curtain Road Restaurant, Shoreditch
Tucked beneath London’s first Virgin Hotel in the heart of Shoreditch sits the newly opened 45 Curtain Road – a Japanese-inspired chop house with a Mediterranean twist and a whole lot of sparkle. And honestly? It’s a vibe.
Afternoon Tea at Vintry & Mercer, City of London
Acclaimed boutique hotel Vintry & Mercer, nestled in the heart of the City of London, is delighted to announce its newest culinary experience – the Circus Afternoon Tea and it’s a fabulous treat for all the family!
Wanstead Vintage Market – Last Event of the Year!
If you’re looking for Christmas gifts with soul — or you just love a good vintage rummage — this is the festive market you’ll want to hit on 20th December.
25 Ways To Do Christmas in East London
We’ve rounded up 25 ways to do the season your way: live jazz in dimly lit bars, carols spilling onto Columbia Road, vintage markets, late-night dancing, heated lido swims, tiny pastries, big plates, quiet moments, loud nights — the lot.
Christmas & New Year at Big Mamma
The festive season is about to get mega delicious. Big Mamma have flipped the fairy lights on and opened Christmas bookings across Gloria, Circolo Popolare, Ave Mario, Jacuzzi, Carlotta and Barbarella — and the vibes are pure feste di Natale chaos (the good kind).
The Marlene Brunch at Engel Bar: A Little Slice of 1920s Glamour in the City
Looking for a glamorous brunch in the heart of the City? The Marlene Brunch at Engel Bar is your ticket. Think 1920s vibes, live jazz, burlesque flair, and a three-course menu that’s as indulgent as it is elegant – plus bottomless bubbles for the full Saturday treat
Noisy Oyster, Spitalfields
This recently opened seafood bistro has already taken East London by storm, and having just dined there, it’s not hard to see why. Creative, inventive and pioneering, the food at Noisy Oyster also happens to be mesmerising, and the same goes for the space in which it resides…
HOAX Restaurant: Modern Italian Dining Meets East London Mischief
Save the date (and your appetite) — HOAX restaurant opens in Dalston this December with modern Italian flair and a hidden bar…
The Lighterman, Granary Square, Kings Cross
Looking for the best Sunday roast in London? From perfectly crisp postatoes to gravy worth writing home about – The Lighterman is a modern classic that turns the humble roast into something truly special…
Interview: Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe
Beast chats to Associate Artistic Director, Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe about her life, creative journey, and her latest work, Ebony Scrooge, running at Sadler’s Wells East from 26 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.
Crispin, Spitalfields
Looking for your next East London favourite? Crispin by Spitalfields Market is all charm, great food and easy vibes…
Interview: Elliott Shotlander – Assistant Manager at Crispin Spitalfields
Beast thinks Elliot Shotlander is going places. The assistant manager at Crispin Spitalfields restaurant has that rare mix of charm, graft and genuine East London grit…
Il Bambini, Shoreditch
Housed inside The Hoxton Hotel, Il Bambini restaurant is part Italian supper club, part late-night hangout – where martinis sparkle and the DJ hums…
Top Places to Eat in East London this Autumn
12 Hot Tables for Autumn feasting – from fire-cooked eel to frozen custard tacos…
From Taipei to London: How Taiwanese Designers Are Threading Their Culture Into London Fashion Week
While this curated showcase of Taiwanese designers took place during London Fashion Week, its creative energy resonated far beyond the venue — reaching into the parts of the city where Taiwanese designers have found inspiration, from the street-style of Shoreditch to the artistic corners of Bethnal Green. Gregory Robinson was there…
Interview: Sarah Bentley — Founder of Made In Hackney & Author of We Cook Plants
Over the past decade, Sarah Bentley has transformed Made In Hackney from a small local food project into a movement with global reach. What began as a community cookery school in East London has become an international model for food justice, plant-based cooking, and community care — all rooted in joy, inclusion, and the belief that good food should be a basic human right.
Beast spoke to Sarah about her journey from journalist to food activist, the power of community kitchens, and her new book, We Cook Plants
Top Cocktail Bars in Shoreditch
Looking for the best cocktail bars in Shoreditch — speakeasies, rooftop vibes, or just a killer drink in a cool spot. Happy bar-hopping!
Ranie Saidi’s Malay Cook Supper Club Brings Grandma’s Kitchen to Clapton
Join Ranie Saidi, founder of The Malay Cook Supper Club, for a soulful Malaysian feast in East London. Inspired by his grandmother’s cooking, Ranie brings the warmth and flavour of Malay home food to London’s vibrant dining scene