A badass ramen joint resides in a wrinkly, old railway arch in Haggerston, you’re in Hackney baby, viva the noodle revolution and drink cocktails. This place is primarily a restaurant but no one will judge you for just getting sh*t faced at the bar.

A short skip off the Kingsland Road, look out for an invitingly lit terrace and listen for the sound of hipsters having a good time. Cleverly packed into just one railway arch, communal dining is a little on the cozy side, but don’t let this put you off. Order a cocktail and get wrapped up in your own world or the hotty next to you. The cocktail list changes weekly but features treats along the lines of the Earl of Pitfield St. (Havana 3yr, elderflower liqueur, cucumber, Earl Grey tea). Bartenders are bang on the money and BarChick had tried everything on the menu plus a carafe of sake before the clock chimed home time, win.

As exciting as the back bar is (Gusano Rojo Mezcal and Ancient Mountain Sake) we’d recommend at least tucking into bar snacks or sharing a ramen; they’re too good to miss.

Photo credit: Jason Bailey