Ugly Dumpling

This tiny, two-floor site is now home to a dumpling den, after a busy recent history in which it’s played host to Pitt Cue Co and Rockadolla hotdogs. Not the place to come if you want to discuss something secret (diners practically sit on each other’s laps), Ugly Dumpling is a buzzy space with simple interiors. The concise menu is split between ‘street food classics’ and ‘new favourites’; the dumplings come in portions of three pieces or you can opt to try all five varieties on each menu for £6, as we did. From the classics, we loved the fragrantly sweet duck dumpling and the sticky-glazed pork option, while stand-outs from the newer selection include an earthy mushroom and truffle combo. Don’t skip the fun sides either, which see crispy tempura aubergine drizzled in sweet honey dressing and topped with peanuts for extra crunch. Dumplings even appear for dessert; we preferred the sweet-as-can-be matcha tea and white chocolate take, while the blueberry variety came smothered in crème fraiche that was a little too thick. Chatty staff and run-of-the-mill cocktails complete the casual picture.