The Market Coffee House & Bar

If you want to show someone some proper British pride (without all that St George’s flag stuff), take them to this winningly atmospheric restaurant on the fringes of Spitalfields Market. Inside it’s all dark wood-panelled walls, weathered wooden tables and walls peppered with old photos of Brick Lane. Or pop yourself in one of the red leather booths for a more intimate experience.

For food it’s a traditional fare. The breakfast menu offers fry-ups, kedgeree and crumpets, while lunch and dinner give the chance to munch on oysters, pork chops with mash, roast lamb and spotted dick. For the time being Sunday roasts are off the menu. Service is warm without being cloying in this all-day eating and drinking nook, making Market House a convivial place that offers a slice of old school hospitality. They even host fortnightly jazz nights and beginner ballet classes upstairs.