One can’t go to Bistrotheque by chance as it is hard to find in a small industrial street in Hackney and getting there is quite exciting. The experience less so. Bistrotheque is certainly worth trying once as it is different and quite cool with its brasserie menu and white decor in the middle of the East End. But the place is probably trying to be too cool and the restaurant experience tends to disappoint. What will NOT disappoint is the amazing cabaret under the restaurant, we attended the Christmas Carol sung by 3 drag queens and it was really hilarious in this small theatre with a bar at the back and a great vibe and crowd really.

Been here for drinks in the bar after a private view in Viner Street about a year ago. It’s proximity to one of East Londons most gallery populated street makes it a regular haunt for arty types.

I came back here again this week but this time for dinner. The restaurant itself is quite minimal, with a black grand piano in the center of the floor with flowers on top. The toilets have some interesting illustrations in black paint.

Firstly we ordered a bottle of white whine which was quite nice, the bread we got to graze on was quite hard though, i ordered the sardines with orange zest for starter which was pretty tasty, for mains I had mushroom pie which was a bit of a disappointment to be honest, it was pretty bland. my date had fish and chips which he rather enjoyed. The next time I come here I will have to try something different.

It’s another one of those hidden gem type places.

This is a hidden away brilliant find and is highly recommended. This little gem serves amazing french food, and is absolutely delcious. It's very posh inside, but not in an uncomfortable, pretentious way at all. There is quite a large choice of foods, all vary in price, not cheap, but you certainly get what you pay for. I had the mussels in a cream sauce, and these were exquizite. It's very atmospheric, dimly lit, and light banter on each table. It's a great place to go for a special occasion, and it feel exciting going there, special to know that it exists. Celebrites have been known to go here too such as Scarlett Johansson, even Madonna. Its very jazzy. The Desserts are to die for, I highly recommend the white chocolate cheesecake, it makes your mouth water with overwhelming pleasure! When finished, you can then go downstairs into the small club and bar, where a cabarat act, and other drag acts are held! Loud music, cocktails, and entertainment. What a great night.

I wish I could love this place. I really do. The design and decor is brilliant, the service is friendly right down to the doorman, and the menu (both cocktails and food) is gorgeous.

But the bar staff need measures to make the drinks, and the kitchen is inconsistent at best. The first time I went, the food was good (though not as great as the prices might lead one to expect); the second time, my lobster was so overcooked that I couldn't get it out of its shell, and my companion's stake was tough and flavourless.

The one thing that doesn't disappoint is the cabaret. Well worth a look and a reservation, the entertainment includes a drag duo and a young female singer doing covers of rock tunes through the ages, accompanied by a sole piano. Particularly brilliant is her Queen medley. Not to be missed.

Shame about the food. I really wanted to love this place.