EXP Cantina at Swan Wharf

You might have known this spot previously as The Plough, but also maybe not, since it’s literally in the middle of nowhere East London. It’s a cool outdoor cafe and bar with a big terrace overlooking the River Lea, near Hackney Wick, and the obscure waterside location feels miles away from everything. Sure, you can see the Olympic Stadium behind the trees and sure, the river used to glow a weird radioactive green at night, but they’ve cleaned it up to the point that it’s actually a nice place to hang out with a few drinks with mates on a sunny afternoon. There are burgers and tacos if you get hungry, craft beers, and an air hockey table because you’re human and you like ripping into your mates. Be sure to check that there aren’t any football matches on the day if you don’t fancy being caught in a crowd of West Ham fans.