Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen

One of the Hoxton originals, Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen has seen plenty of action in its time. Still hip, the bar and diner now touts itself as something of a gig venue with complete listings featuring album launches and gigs proper. The venue website proudly lists the bands that have stopped off - The Hives, Vampire Weekend, MaxÔmo Park - and the place is therefore packed to bursting at weekends with a cheerful mix of local trendy young things and weekend tourists. 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 hits the spot. The pleasant outside area, backing on to Hoxton Square, fills up quickly in summer so arrive early.