In Islington, opposite the theatre of the same name, The Almeida restaurant has re-opened after a little refurbishment. Led by Michelin-starred chef Tommy Boland (the ex-head chef of Tom Aikens), the Modern British menu focuses on light, modern dishes using seasonal ingredients and herbs plucked fresh from The Almeida’s terrace garden (the head chef is an avid gardener). The rest of the menu follows the trend of seasonal and local produce (albeit with some exceptions) that are used to construct an intelligent and subtle menu. The beautifully presented food more than makes up for the modern restaurant space that tinges on the point of blandness. The design highlight is the backlit wine wall, where diners can choose their own wine from while gazing excitedly at the open stainless steel and tiled open kitchen behind. The Almeida is a very welcome addition to Islington given the mediocrity of many of Upper Street’s contemporary chains.