Restaurants

Attached to the Candid Arts Trust theatre and gallery, this second-floor café is popular with Islington’s arty types. They lounge in its atmospheric, attic-like room, on red velvet chairs or at the stately communal table. Come nightfall the space gets absurdly dark, lit mainly by candles with aeons of wax dripping down their metal holders. It all adds to the louche vibe – Candid is bohemian to a T. Indeed, the only thing missing from the fit is bohemian-friendly prices. Homely meals of lasagne, pies, quiches, stews and curries are fine for what they are (own-made earlier, then heated to order and served with salad or rice), but are very expensive; expect to pay between £8 and £12 for a dish that should really cost half as much. Cakes with coffee or tea represent slightly better value. Staff are scatty yet not unfriendly. In warm weather a downstairs courtyard holds a cluster of tables.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008