Here are some locally based options catering for different needs:

Quick bites

Leon – healthy Mediterranean style dishes to eat in or take away. 3 Crispin Place, London, E1 6DW. 020 7247 4369

Patisserie Valerie – delicious pastries and cakes served alongside a café menu of salads, pasta and fresh fish. 37 Brushfield Street, London, E1 6AA. 020 7247 4906

A proper meal

Le Bouchon Breton
An authentically French brasserie and bar offering a good range of comforting, well priced brasserie classics and an extensive wine list.1st floor, 8 Horner Square, Old Spitalfields Market, E1 6EW. 08000 191 704

Canteen – modern, informal restaurant serving high quality British cuisine at reasonable prices. 2 Crispin Place, London, E1 6DW. 0845 686 1122

St John Bread and Wine – British restaurant offering a seasonal menu which changes as the day rolls on. Also sells goods to take home from their own bakery, as well as wines by the bottle or the case. 94-96 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LZ. 020 7251 0848

Family friendly

Giraffe – family-friendly chain serving popular world cuisine. 1 Crispin Place, London, E1 6DW. 020 3116 2000

S & M Café – a traditional Britich café serving sausage and mash of all varieties to suit all tastes. 48 Brushfield Street, London, E1 6AA. 020 7247 2252

Sweet Basil – family run Italian restaurant serving a variety of traditional Italian dishes as well as a selection of salads and vegetarian dishes. 65A Brushfield Street, London, E1 6AA, 020 7375 3484