If ever a restaurant could perfectly encapsulate the Shoreditch vibe, the newly opened Forge & Co might just be it. This British brasserie is not just a restaurant but a lounge, bar, social workspace and a gallery too.

Founded by Cymon Eckel (of XOYO nightclub) and Lalit Maria – who are apparently dedicated to ‘social working’ – the duo aim to bring the technological and creative industries together across four floors of office, meeting and dining spaces.

Forge & Co. is decked out with bespoke hardwood desks and tables, vintage cutlery and crockery and glass walls. On the ground floor, The Canteen, open from 8am daily, offers individual tables and sharing benches for up to 50 people serving dishes like: smoked salmon, garden peas, hazelnuts and rocket with house dressing; Speyside beef and ox heart burger with spinach, streaky bacon, aioli and mature cheddar; and Grilled Cornish pilchards with chickpeas, burnt lemon and Romesco sauce.

Apart from a 40-bottle wine list, there is also a selection of craft beers from Meantime brewery, East London-themed cocktails using spirits such as Sipsmith Gin or Bethnal Green’s “Stellacello” limoncello.

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