Restaurants

Water House, the new branch of the equally lauded Acorn House , has garnered huge publicity on the back of the efforts it makes towards sustainability. Being down a side street in a dreary part of Dalston means it needs to be a destination eaterie, as it won’t attract much passing trade – yet as a dining experience, it needs improvement and prices are on the high side. An unremarkable potato and leek soup was £6; filtered tap water is charged at £2 per bottle. We enjoyed a special of pappardelle with lamb, and duck confit (served on a generous portion of parsnip mash) was also satisfying. Many of the salads are bettered in London’s good vegetarian caffs but desserts such as plum jelly and lavender panna cotta show ambition. Even months after opening, there is an amateurishness about some aspects of Water House; on our most recent visit, plates were covered in smudged fingerprints from the kitchen.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009