L'Oasis Bar & Restaurant

As its name suggests, L'Oasis in Stepney Green has all the makings of a gastronomic haven, a place where you can go for a good time, drinking and eating with friends. In this relaxing atmosphere, it's easy to lose your sense of time, particularly in the spacious dining room which has an ornamental listed ceiling that dates to the 19th century. Gentle music and dim lighting might make for a subdued ambience elsewhere but at L'Oasis, it only serves to highlight the serenity of the space.

The menu changes daily to reflect what is fresh and available, but a typical meal could begin with a ham hock terrine, followed by pan fried sea bream with crushed new potatoes and cauliflower puree. At the bar, snacks may include cocktail sausages or anchovies in extra virgin olive oil. At lunchtime the fare includes tasty sandwiches and burgers and the dessert of toffee and pecan cheesecake is excellent. The L'Oasis wine list is comprehensive offering as many as forty choices alongside spirits and champagnes.