Hackney
Salvation In Noodles

Salvation In Noodles

122 Balls Pond Road, N1 4AE, Hackney, United Kingdom

Asian • Salad • Noodles • Vietnamese


"That is actually the name of the restaurant, not just me seeking salvation in noodles although it's something I'm likely to do. Good Vietnamese food is hard to come by in London, so when Angela asked if I was up for trying SIN, I was more than eager. The only slight downside (for me my location) is that it's in Dalston, an area I'd never ventured into before, because it just feels that little bit too far away... but will travel for food, and all that. It's a bus ride away from a couple of tube stations, so it's not too bad (and if you live East, it's really not a trek at all, but I live on the other side of the city), but something to keep in mind. Geographical logistics aside, I had a great evening of food and chatting with Angela, her boyfriend and his friend. It's a cosy little place which is clearly popular, with friendly staff and a no fuss vibe that I think suits Vietnamese cuisine. With four of us hungry and ready to dig in, we ordered a selection of sharing plates: summer rolls, spring rolls, lamp chops and chicken wings. Although everything was delicious, the meat stood out for me the chicken wings were so moreish with that sweet and salty flavour everyone loves, and the lamp was excellent too. Perfect little plates to open up our appetite! Thankfully our appetites were still going strong when the noodles arrived, because those bowls are massive. You know those bowls that seem never ending, no matter how much you think you've eaten? I went for the Bun Rieu, which is Vietnamese crab noodle soup with pork belly prawns, which comes with these crab meat balls that take the dish up a notch. It was incredibly fresh but pretty spicy, so I'd stay away from it if you're not a spice fan I really enjoyed it myself. They also have other noodles, such as the classic Pho and also noodle salads, if you're not keen on soups. I'm kind of hoping that they open a branch somewhere central at some point, although that would mean we'd probably have to fight for a table... in the meantime though, I'd definitely recommend it for those who want to quench their Vietnamese noodle craving and not be disappointed. Up next on my Vietnamese food trail is Cafe East, which I've heard rave reviews of. If you have any other suggestions, let me know!"

The Prince

The Prince

59 Kynaston Rd, Hackney, United Kingdom, N16 0EB

Pizza • Seafood • British • Fast Food


"The Prince hosted our wedding this weekend, at the back of the pub. When booking we knew that they had a wedding in the room above and it was a Saturday so likely to be busy but Will was amazing throughout the booking period, keeping us informed throughout and sending across the food/drink choices with plenty of time. On the day, I headed over early and Will helped me to move stuff around to my taste and decorate how I wanted the area to be. After the wedding, we arrived to champagne being poured, this is where I give a special shout out to Gethin who became our event manager (if you will for the night. HE WAS AMAZING!!! Nothing was too much, despite the fact that the pub was rammed. Constantly asking if we needed anything, if we wanted drinks, bringing them directly to the table...completely went above and beyond it would not be too far to say that he made our wedding even more enjoyable. Absolute hats off to the chefs, the food was unreal, so so tasty 3 courses for 16 people whilst there was a big wedding upstairs nothing was late, everything tasted amazing, so many compliments. I just couldn 't fault the chefs, they are a talent to this pub and I really would seriously recommend the food here as a hidden gem of Stoke Newington. Great music from start to finish, completely up our street. Finished off the night with plenty of margaritas, using the lovely honey tequila (which I 've now coined as The Bride . I honestly cannot thank, recommend, rave about the staff and the service at The Prince enough. I wouldn 't hesitate to come back here in more typical circumstances. Just unreal."