Located on the top floor of a Victorian clothing factory on Fashion Street suits Maene just perfectly - this British bistro definitely feels like it’s cut from a different cloth. The dream team members that make up the working parts of this modern, relaxed & top-quality restaurant all have outrageously impressive CVs, and it shows. Whether you’re stopping by for an alfresco Margarita on their wrap-around terrace (tip: also knock back some of the oysters with pickled cucumber whilst playing eye-spy along the East London skyline), or getting cosy in one of the cobalt blue banquettes for an absolute feast with friends, Maene has you covered. 

The interior is sleek, airy and just on the right side of trendy, with an open kitchen so you can see the chefs whipping up dishes that are creative and utterly mouth-watering. The Gnocco Fritto with London stracciatella is a must-order, while main courses range from pork loin with hazelnut pesto, Cornish sole with pickled fennel or even the surprise star of coco bean cassoulet with pickled seaweed salsa verde.  

Naturally, though, it was the cocktail menu that BarChick was going gaga over, most notably because of the zero-water ethos. The drinks are innovative, imaginative and inclusive - the perfect trio - with ingredients like ‘used coffee grounds’ ‘sourdough’ and almond croissant’ leaping out at you. What’s more, every cocktail has a boozy option (for example the Dairy: Black Cow vodka, rhubarb, vermouth and whole milk) and a non-alcoholic version, in this case that same Dairy made with Everleaf Mountain and oat milk. What with the awesome approach to their menus, trust us when we say a trip here needs to be your Maene priority.