Jacqui Faiman

Now that the sun's peeking out occasionally, our precious hours off can be in enjoyed outdoors. If you're feeling peckish, head to E2, just a stone's throw off the beaten Shoreditch track, a short cycle from Victoria Park or a swift paddle down Regents Canal. You can order a whole rabbit to share Founded by chef Robin Gill (the fella behind The Manor in Clapham), Paradise Garage is under the railway arches and serves up modern British small plates. For spring, they’ve once again introduced the picnic – a whole rabbit cooked in different ways. 254 Paradise Row, E2 9LE.   It's got one of the oldest pubs in London Old George has been around in the east end for a while – since the eighteenth century, in fact. You'll find a huge beer garden upstairs, plus a smartly refurbed dining space with snappy wallpaper and comfy retro furniture. Tuck into artfully arranged plates piled high with the likes of pork belly with apple glazed rib or lamb with purple sprouting broccoli. They also do a mean strawberry shortbread cheesecake. 379 Bethnal Green Rd, E2 0AN. You can get a huge English brekky for a fiver Cafe 338 is a typical British greasy spoon where you can get huge full English breakfasts for around a fiver. Queues snake out the door on the weekends. 338 Bethnal Green Rd, E2 0AN.  © Rob Greig The seafood has moved on from jellied eels The Well & Bucket has a buzzy vibe, with a speakeasy-style cocktail bar downstairs. It's great for grabbing a table outside for a bucket of fresh shu

We’ve caught wind of a live event for winter that is actually one hell of a summer party. Confused? Well, even though Londoners are now wrapping up, Christmas adverts are on TV and umbrellas are an everyday necessity, imagine if you could check-in through a magical door, be taken to a departure lounge and suddenly find yourself in a jungle paradise just minutes from your home. This could be a reality if Summerland Live goes ahead. It's the brainchild of the creator of Glastonbury’s famous dance village Shangri-La and involves taking part in a four-hour immersive adventure, feeling the warmth of summer once again and being on a beach with real sand. It will also include a swimming lagoon, hot tubs and a 40ft waterfall. The upside is that you won't get tan lines and there's no risk of burning, but the downside is it won't happen unless they have enough people to invest in the business.  This vision is currently at the crowdfunding stage until mid January, but with over £150,000 already raised on Seedrs, it looks like this seasonal mash-up dream might actually come true. Although, having said that, we're feeling very far from beach body ready right now. For more details visit the Summerland Live website.