Oslo Hackney

You'll find Oslo tucked away on Amhurst Road in deepest Hackney, in the kind of neighbourhood that's finally stopped trying to be cool and just is. The bar itself has that understated Nordic minimalism going on—natural wood, clean lines, proper lighting that doesn't make you look washed out—which means it works just as well for an early evening drink as it does when you're here till late. The drinks menu takes itself seriously without being insufferable; they know their way around a spirit, but they're not going to make you feel stupid for ordering a simple gin and tonic. It's the sort of place where you genuinely bump into people from the area rather than Instagram tourists, and the staff actually seem pleased you're there.