William IV, Hoxton, London

Shaun Clarkson, the interior designer behind the Atlantic Bar & Grill, has injected his own new Hoxton venue with plenty of charm and personality. It promises bold, honest cuisine served in an environment that aspires to transcend the formulaic gastropub.

• Opened: 22 February
• Owners: Shaun Clarkson and Henry Davis
• Head chef: Michael Spurgeon
• General manager: Seth Klingen
• Capacity: 112 seated, 80 standing
• Food: Pub food. Order the mushroom, chestnut and roast garlic soup to start, then sample the butterfly mackerel with potato salad. Finish off with bread and butter pudding in a whisky sauce.
• Prices: Starters from £3.50, mains from £7.50, desserts from £3.50
• Address: 7 Shepherdess Walk, Hoxton, London N1 7QE
• Telephone: 020 3119 3012