Bars & Pubs

Fronting on the Mile End Road, L'Oasis doesn't quite feel like part of the city. The bar is in a single rectangular room, with benches (now padded) and upholstered chairs at broad, heavy tables under a handsome green and white panelled roof. The food is gastropub proper, rather than posh pub nosh (pork chop with Amaretto jus, salmon tartare with pickled cucumber), with new tasting evenings (courses paired with wines) and an upstairs dining/events room with country kitchen dresser suggesting food is a key focus. Indeed, a lack of nooks and corners means the layout isn't perfect for casual boozing, but there are fine wines and Adnams Bitter and Timothy Taylor Landlord on draught.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9