Best bites: Barnsley chops and Thai nostalgia

Crispin, Spitalfields

I can’t believe I’ve gone this long without trying the original Crispin in Spitalfields. What a place. What a menu. Lewis de Haas lets his creativity run free at this small plates/natural wine bar, and it really shows in the food. I dined on a Saturday lunchtime and the place had a neighbourhood buzz that complimented the friendly service and open plan layout. The menu isn’t exhaustive, but you’ll want one of everything. Be sure to get yourself the mussels with ’nduja, gremalota and pickled fennel, the crab maltagliati, and the Barnsley chop.
Henry Southan, social media manager
CODE was a guest of Crispin

Speedboat Bar

Speedboat, London’s new Thai-themed restaurant and bar from the JKS-Luke Farrell partnership – makers of the widely popular Plaza – reminded me of being 19 or however old, sitting with friends draining beer towers, eating plates of spicy prawns and noodles and salads. Speedboat is modelledd on the neon-lit haunts of Bangkok’s Chinatown. It is transportive, there is no doubt. To talk about ‘travelling’ is usually so unbearably boring. I understand that. But my time in Bangkok was, for me at least, special, and the food, the pool, the karaoke and the Thai spirits were a huge part of that. Speedboat is not Bangkok, obviously, but it’s a fun tribute.
Josh Barrie, editor
CODE was a guest of Speedboat Bar

Another Hand, Manchester  

There were several features on my ‘must-visit’ list for an inaugural trip to Manchester and I’m delighted to report that crossing a few of these off made an enjoyable weekend. A wonderful dinner at ERST, another at the bonkers (to which the name would elude) Crazy Pedros, and plentiful drinks from Albert Schloss. Eventually, we took things down a notch for a quiet breakfast at Another Hand, a rather delightful, if diminutive spot providing the perfect sanctuary for a couple of mildly hungover newly 30-year-olds. To drink, some excellent coffee.
Mike Daw, partnerships manager

Nuovi Sapori 

Full to bursting on a Wednesday evening, we were lucky to secure a walk-in at Nuovi Sapori on the New King’s Road. It’s a real family affair (Italian restaurant, Portuguese owners), with father and son working the floor to great effect, not afraid to stop for a chat and make every diner feel welcome. The food is tasty (especially the pasta – we had the fettuccine with spicy Italian sausage, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes) and portions are generous, but that’s almost beside the point. This is a place to come and have a good time. I’d even say that it was my favourite meal of the year so far.
Will Lake, COO

Viet Grill

Having lived within a 10-minute walk of the Pho Mile for just over a year now, I feel ashamed to say that my visit to Viet Grill was my first time to the famous Hackney strip. The pho was restorative, with spicy broth and fresh ginger providing comfort as autumn begins to usher out summer. The spring rolls were crisp and packed full of filling, and much like the spring rolls, I left very full.
George Gill, Operations coordinator

Read more reviews from the CODE team here