Satay Bar, London

Unsurprisingly, Satay Bar serves Malaysian and Indonesian satay dishes. The clientele are mainly young and funky Brixton-ites, having a swift drink and meal before going to the revitalised Ritzy Cinema round the corner, or kicking back for a longer drinking session with friends, although hearing conversation is difficult above the loud music constantly playing. The decor is simple with plain wooden tables and dim lighting, but it's clean, fresh and colourful. The brighter bar area is a great place to perch on a stool, sample great cocktails and watch the frenetic activity of the friendly bar staff. Energetic waiters rush between tables in the rather cramped dining area (where you're often quite literally shoulder-to-shoulder with diners at adjoining tables), serving the reliable, if not earth-shatteringly imaginative fare. But it's excellent value and a great choice if you're in the area.