"You could visit the islands scattered about the Aegean sea, but that would mean having to deal with Ryanair—so it’s probably best to just eat at The Lacy Nook instead. Off a pretty street in Walthamstow, this Balkan Peninsula-inspired restaurant induces the kind of relaxed, holiday feeling that can usually only be achieved when you’ve been off work for a week. The sizzle of tasty BBQ pork hitting a smoky grill and the gentle flapping of fabric draped like sails against the ceiling is enough to make you wonder if you’ll be turfed out when they realise you left your passport at home. Families with children on their best behaviour and blissed-out couples sink into scatter cushions on a covered terrace that’s practically sponsored by rattan. photo credit: Koray Firat photo credit: Koray Firat photo credit: Koray Firat photo credit: Koray Firat photo credit: Koray Firat Like any holiday meal, the best course of action is to order lots and share. Our favourite things are the charred vegetable and meze dishes—fire-baked feta and sweet, jammy confit tomatoes is a standout dish, and best mopped up with a portion of airy Balkan bread. Dessert shouldn’t be missed. Order honey-soaked sheets of filo pastry, studded with pistachios, on top of a slab of creamy, smooth cheesecake. The food isn’t the star of the show here, but like some of the best meals abroad, it’s an olive oil-drenched vehicle for creating a core memory." - Sinéad Cranna
