Bars & Pubs

One of the Hoxton originals, Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen has seen plenty of action in its time. Still hip - check the gig nights and album launches - and packed to bursting at weekends, it attracts a cheerful mix of hip young things and weekend style tourists with its acres of scuffed concrete and on-the-square location. The cavernous space can feel soulless at times but not so's you'd notice once the party is in full flow in the windowless back-room. The main bar is long and buzzy, while the upmarket diner-style food in the restaurant area definitely hits the spot. The pleasant outside area fills up quickly in summer - arrive early.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9