The Star By Hackney Downs - (Near Hackney, South East)

jasmine theobold DO NOT GO HERE!!!!!!! THIS IS THE WORST CHINESE TAKEAWAY IN LONDON !!!! After ordering what was supposed to be ‘sweet and sour chicken’ I received what looked like deep fried chicken meatballs that were stone cold and god knows what sweet and sour sauce they bought but it was inedible. The ‘duck spring rolls’ were burnt and black inside! The salt and pepper chicken was the driest thing I have tasted in my life even a drink didn’t help it go down. Do not even let me get started on the beef chowmein there was this jelly like film all over the beef! After complaining they were extremely rude on the phone and adamant that it was just me. Once again, NEVER COME TO THIS RESTAURANT

Alan Tannen We went to Asado on Wednesday evening, food was unbelievable, huge menu to chose from, each item received was delicious, Lipa served us with a smile and suggested best items on the menu, We are very much looking forward to returning to the restaurant soon best meal we have had in London for a long time, Moist tender cuts of meat severed with hand cooked chips… Warm Gooey Bapka with ice cream with Halva shavings…. Home made fruit sorbet and so much more.. Keep up the high quality and standards. Definitely worth going to Stamford Hill to eat in one of Londons finest restaurants. 10/10

Wilmer Duran Like my second home... Ones a month is necessary at least to come and eat. I feel like Im really at home. The best service, El rinconcito

Paul Smith Really good food and friendly staff and nice relaxed atmosphere. I will be going again and highly recommend others to try it out.

Kamilia Khairul Anuar Heard good things about this place and it did not disappoint. I am Malaysian and have been to many Malaysian restaurants around London, so I had high expectations. This is not a traditional Malaysian restaurant but a more modern “elevated” concept, so my interest was piqued. My husband and I ordered five dishes (two starters - the prawn toast and the salted egg yolk sardines, and two mains - beef assam pedas and sambal skate wing, with a bowl of rice, and then the cassava cake for dessert). We were plenty full by the end of the meal, though granted we are not huge eaters! Everything was delicious, well balanced - nothing too greasy or salty or sweet. If I had to compare the food concept to something it would be like a Malaysian version of Kolae. The food is a little experimental / innovative but still very true to the classics. Seeing some reviews here saying the food is too spicy, but I would say this is pretty authentic Malaysian levels of spice and as a Malaysian I am glad they didn’t hold back! My husband, who is British but can handle his spice, was also fine with the spice level. We were here on a Friday night so it was busy but service was fine and we loved the bustling but relaxed atmosphere. Overall we would definitely come back, we loved everything we ate and wish chef Abby Lee and team great success with this restaurant.

Amy F Been to Blackboard twice now and really enjoyed it. I like the small, seasonal menu concept - it adds to the cosy vibe, like youre being invited come round to my place, this is what Im making. And as vegetarian, I can vouch that those options have been lovely and flavourful! The cocktails and wine are great, too. Highly recommended.