The ‘backstage bar’ at The Spice of Life is a music cellar that boasts an impressive past: Paul Simon, Cat Stevens & Dylan played it, & the Sex Pistols practically lived in it. The next Jamie Cullum might fancy his chances at Monday’s open-mic session, while the remainder of the week is given over to jazz, swing & world music – or indie/dance at weekends. A trio of draught McMullens ales is on song at the bar, & there’s decent wine to be had for £13 (Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon), with the rest of the list coming in below £20 or thereabouts. Food comprises anything from edamame beans to hefty wild-boar bangers, grazing slates & all-day breakfast butties, while meatballs & couscous are laced with harissa, the spice of Tunisian life.