"Verdict: Plates serves a changing plant-based tasting menu in Shoreditch in a countryside-ish fine dining space. When we visited, the deconstructed mung bean lasagna slathered in miso sauce reminded us of curling up on the sofa in the best possible way. It’s worth trying your luck with same-week cancellations. Input all the dates you want and join the waitlist for an email if a cancellation pops up. For those that don’t suffer from full inbox anxiety syndrome, you can also sign up to their newsletter to be the first to know about new reservation slots. Alternatively, they’ve been known to have space for solo diners so give that a try too." - jake missing, sinead cranna, rianne shlebak, heidi lauth beasley