Acqua7

All stark, monochrome chic, this friendly new family-run wine bar is as Zen as drinking dens in one of the more fashionable streets of Tokyo (or Manhattan, or Florence: the latter recently home to Acqua7’s Anglo-Iranian owner, Cyrus Cookson). At the sleek, dark stained-oak bar, enjoy elegantly presented daytime pastries, savoury brunch snacks, coffee and fresh juices – cantaloupe melon and rose water, say. By night, order from a list that’s big on Italian craft beers and wines that quickly push upwards from entry-level Friuli, by the carafe (£18) or glass, to a Côte de Nuits cracker (a 2013 Marsannay) to pair with salumi or cheese boards. House cocktails (£9) include Florentine classic Negroni, Milanese Spritzes and Bellini, along with edgy ideas such as Dalston Handshake (West Indian Guinness, Kahlúa and agave syrup) and even Lemon Tart (a limoncello, lemon curd and cream-cheese Flip) – buona fortuna with that one, say we.