Martello Hall

A café-diner aimed at hot-deskers and E8 slackers by day, Martello Hall morphs into a party bar at night. Local beers, Italian artisan wines on tap and a louche first-floor cocktail lounge draw evening punters into the strategically distressed Edwardian premises (formerly The London Fields pub). Many of the cocktails depend on east London-produced booze, doctored with homemade tinctures, sherbets and cordials. Martello gin (distilled on-site) underpins a Bramble (£11) and a twisted G&T, but we prefer the Mexican Negroni, Ginger Caipirinha Royale and miniatures to share – Punchy Cosmo for four at £20, for instance. Absinthe is another speciality, favoured by dissolute dandies who also come for the live music and late-night DJs. Comfort food, served in a groovy Brooklyn-style diner out back and in the ground-floor bar, has Italian leanings: Bologna-style dumplings; and wood-fired pizzas with novel toppings (roasted squash and beetroot, say). Similar ventures are planned across London. 

In the beating heart of East London – Hackney, you'll find Martello Hall, a busy and vibrant spot that caters to all day and late night cravings. There are three floors, including a banquet hall and cocktail lounge, so there is something for everyone inside. Capturing the very essence of Italian cuisine and with an in-house gin distillery, this venue is perfectly suited to its location.

Here, the food is largely based on cooking with natural fuel, with a wood oven and charcoal grill, and everything being made in house from scratch. Martello Hall is housed in what was an old East End pub, but although updated, you can still spot its original features and character.

Martello Hall is just a short walk from London Fields train station, and is just one of a few ‘Hall’ venues in town. With five unique locations scattered across London, including Canova Hall in Brixton, Serata Hall at Old Street, Teatro Hall in Ealing, and Botanica Hall at Clapham Junction, there's a Hall venue to suit every taste and occasion.

The breakfast and hotdesking menu begins with a red smoothie bowl, consisting of a berry smoothie topped with granola, chia seeds, nut dukkah and pistachios. If you're a freelancer or self-employed, you may want to take advantage of the hot desk offer, with free WiFi and bottomless coffee all day. For lunch, try the vegan viking pizza with cashew cheese, pistachio pesto, red chillies, rocket and mint, or the white special with truffle pecorino, truffle salami, mozzarella, crispy shallots, watercress, tarragon and lemon zest. House plates include a slow 12 hour beef ragu rigatoni with a parmesan crisp, and fried buttermilk chicken with hot mustard sauce, watermelon, jalapenos and mayo.