"The Shepherdess in Hoxton is a timeless nod to aged simplicity. It is special for numerous reasons: staff are warm and loveable, the building is bright and bustling, the breakfast is sublime. Bacon is charred, its fat sweet and rendered, eggs are perfectly fried — the yolk is soft and runny, while the white, tender and gelatinous, has developed a crispy frilled rim. The resurgence of greasy spoons means many see their fair share of celebs, but The Shepherdess is a true icon: Ed Balls has been pictured there, as has food critic Tom Parker-Bowles, and there have been EastEnders stars by the mug-full. Jamie Oliver, too, is a big fan." - Josh Barrie