Tyler Udall

Tyler Udall exhibition at The Little Black Gallery. Opens 11th February.

Upstairs at The Ten Bells

Only a year old, Upstairs at The Ten Bells already has a loyal following. Set in the first floor of an infamous pub, not just known as the last drinking location of a Ripper victim but also as a recent stripper joint, this place has already had an interesting history.

With a simple, refined menu, you aren’t overwhelmed with choice which as a hugely indecisive individual, makes things easy. For starter I decided on the buckwheat pancakes with smoked mackerel and cucumber. It was delicious although the pancakes were a little big but the flavours mixed well. My friends went for buttermilk chicken that came placed on some old pine leaves, who said recycling Christmas trees was hard.

Main came and although delicious,Ii was slightly disappointed with the lack of size and variety in the meal. Braised swede with salsify and mushrooms implied a hearty meal and although bursting with winter flavour. I would have liked something with it or on the side. The fish on this course looked amazing with a thick piece of hake on a bed of vegetables and the addition of potted shrimp. The meat also looked grand with pork, lentils and vegetables. In this case, I think the veggie option looked like the poor relation to the other dishes but all the same it tasted great.

Finally, I couldn’t resist desert and this was the showstopper for me. Milk crisps with buttermilk ice cream and rhubarb sorbet was delicious. The sourness of the buttermilk went well with the sharp rhubarb and the milk crisps balanced it all whilst adding a new texture to the dish.

Overall, this was a great meal. The charm of the shabby decor, paired with the interesting history and delicious, yet innovative food makes this a top Shoreditch find.

Recent fun

Gingerbread Man getting me through the day// Coffee and productiveness at Browns of Brockley//Cocktails at The Ritz//Food at Whitecross Market//Sunday Roast at the Owl and Pussycat//Street art in Shoredicth during my many ramblings around the city.

Recent fun

Bowling at All Star, Brick Lane// Treats from Hong Kong//Coffee and Banana Loaf at Flat White//Watermelon fro'yo at PinkBerry//Tower Hill (feeling like you aren't in London//

Frank's Campari Bar

I've recently been spending a lot of time at this place, Frank's, enjoying great company, sun and delicious food. The pop-up shop is a craze especially in the summer months in London with many opening across the city for temporary periods of time. This can range from months to just days, such as the recent ice cream parlour that was open for just one day in Brockley offering flavours such as elderflower and lime or geranium and rose sorbet. Frank's is in its third year running and is still constantly packed with people. Whether its the corn on the cob with paprika that entices you, the cute cocktails or the amazing view, Frank's is a great place for a chilled afternoon or evening with friends. It attracts a variety of people from posh city boys to the East London crowd and even locals come in to see what the hype is about. The weekend is now over but I look forward to next weekend so I can take advantage of this amazing space just up the road from my house.