"Bistrotheque was one of Hackney’s original ‘trendy’ restaurants. There’s the unmarked door, whitewashed and tiled warehouse space, bustling open kitchen, and fashion pack crowd. A decade on, creative sorts still clip-clop in wearing penny loafers for candlelit bistro dinners, and brunch is still a scene. A live pianist plays pop covers, and excellent cocktails will cure last night’s hangover or get you started on today’s. The food is pretty decent—the crispy chicken schnitzel is a standout, even if the chips are disappointing. But Bistrotheque remains a hangout where the fun atmosphere is the real draw. photo credit: Daisy Meager Food Rundown photo credit: Daisy Meager Crunchy Chicken Schnitzel, Garlic Butter Do not pour the gravy boat of garlic butter over the schnitzel. We repeat, do not pour the gravy boat of garlic butter over the schnitzel. It’s a completely unnecessary accompaniment to the excellently crispy cornflake- and panko-breaded chicken. video credit: Daisy Meager Steak Tartare A perfectly decent version of a classic. Nothing to write home about, nothing to complain about. photo credit: Daisy Meager Chips A silver platter of chips is always nice to pick at, but these are a little soggy in places. Zhoosy Margarita On paper, this passion fruit take on a margarita—with passion fruit liqueur and syrup—sounds like it could be sickly sweet. In reality, the lime cuts through and a Tajín-dusted rim balances it out with welcome heat. We’re not sure what ‘zhoosy’ means, but we felt it after a couple of drinks." - Daisy Meager
