Planque

Tucked beneath the railway arches just moments from Haggerston station, Planque has carved out a distinct identity as one of East London’s most compelling hybrid spaces as a restaurant, part wine bar, part members’ club, and wholly rooted in a love of low-intervention wine and thoughtful, ingredient-led cooking.

Since opening in 2021, Planque has been positioned as a wine drinkers’ clubhouse, building a community around its cellar as much as its kitchen. Seb Myers, formerly of Chiltern Firehouse and natural wine stalwarts like P. Franco, leads the food offering with a style that is restrained, seasonal and quietly inventive.

The menu reflects this philosophy: fluid, concise and designed to complement the wine rather than compete with it. Dishes lean towards modern European, often with a French accent, featuring combinations that feel both simple and precise, from delicately cured seafood to robust, nose-to-tail meat dishes and considered vegetable plates. The result is cooking that prioritises balance and clarity, allowing high-quality ingredients to speak for themselves.

Wine, however, remains the central focus. The list champions low-intervention producers and spans both cult favourites and lesser-known bottles, with a particular strength in French regions like the Loire, Jura and Beaujolais. For members, the experience deepens further, with access to on-site wine storage, exclusive events and a dedicated lounge, though the restaurant itself remains open to all.

The setting mirrors this duality. Spread across two converted railway arches, the space blends industrial architecture with a warm, design-led aesthetic - think polished concrete, cobalt blue accents and an eclectic mix of furnishings. A long communal table anchors the dining room, encouraging a sociable, convivial atmosphere, while smaller tables and tucked-away corners offer a more intimate alternative.