Climpson's Arch (Restaurant)

Top 10 things we learnt about Climpson's Arch bar when we visited:

1) If you're concerned that you're lost in the middle of an industrial site, chances are you're in the right place. It's obscurely tucked away in the backstreets of Hackney, and you'll pretty much have to stumble over its advertising blackboard to know you've arrived

2) It recently re-launched but don't expect anything too fancy - it's very much backyard chic, with wooden tables and chairs, a fully-exposed back storage area and a corrugated roof

3) Think mini-Glastonbury meets the Hackney set in a barn. It's got a serious outdoor festival vibe, from the picnic benches to the outdoor catering to the middle-of-nowhere feel

4) Weekends at Climpson's mean BBQ time, regardless of the weather. The smell of roast pork wafting through will have even the most fervent January dieter reaching for a fork

5) Fine dining it ain't -- food is served up on paper plates and even our pints were served in plastic pint glasses

6) They do serve some excellent local brews; Camden-born pale ale, Gentleman's Wit and Hell's Lager are all on draft

7) You may feel you've stumbled into someone's wedding reception as you enter the room to be greeted by fairy lights, flowers and soft-soul tunes

8) Despite this vibe it's not really one for a romantic night out; when we pulled up a chair on a Saturday night, there were a few large groups of friends but no couples. It's a chilled out hangout with a super relaxed attitude

9) The Hackney set have definitely laid claim to this residency; the dress code for the night was largely skinny jeans accompanied by big hair, chunky knits and retro accessories

10) The outdoor area has been created in quite a practical way for the winter months, as several large wired chairs are set around a wood burner - I was only disappointed that no one had brought a guitar or marshmallows to truly set the campfire scene...read more