Bright, breezy and unpretentious, Alba Caffè is East London’s answer to Mediterranean café culture. You’ll find it hidden away in the Artsadmin Canteen, a sun-drenched spot that attracts creatives from across the capital.

Pop in any weekday to enjoy delicious Turkish/Italian-inspired lunches from a daily-changing menu – think nourishing soups, savoury galettes and focaccia fresh from the oven – or take your pick from a selection of homemade cakes and pastries. Service is quick but tables are plentiful, so, like a southern European, practise the art of slow living. Savour your food, indulge in good conversation and, when you’ve scraped your plate clean, take yourself out onto the patio for a long, drawn-out coffee in the sun.

And if you’re left wanting more, reserve a spot at one of Alba Caffè’s monthly Linseed Suppers. Each edition is themed around a seasonal ingredient and serves as a reminder of the wonderful way in which food brings us together.