Furnace

There's been plenty of buzz on Rufus Street ever since Furnaca opened in 1999; kick start the evening with a refuel session here, followed by a night of socialising in the trendy Hoxton area. If you're a patient takeaway customer, take time to admire the attractive interior with exposed brickwork and modern paintings.

Should the open plan kitchen with views of chefs tossing the dough fuel your hunger then some intriguing pizza choices like porchetta with slices of sweet tender suckling pig on base of sour cream, mozzarella, tomato, fennel and onion finished with salsa Verde are most satisfying. This can only be rivalled by a gorgonzola con pere e rucola with fragrant tomato sauce and pungent gorgonzola, sweetened with poached pears and crisp rocket. Daily changing specials etched on the blackboard could feature tagliatelle with salsiccia, red peppers, rosemary and cream, and pork medallions wrapped in pancetta in a brandy and truffle sauce.

The varied wine list at Furnace blends in the traditional and modern with a focus on indigenous grape varieties.