Christoff.ai

Planque

restaurants•
London
London

Planque

322 Acton Mews, London E8 4EA

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked beneath the railway arches of Haggerston, Planque represents East London's ability to transform industrial spaces into something genuinely special. This isn't just another trendy spot riding the natural wine wave – it's a 60-seat destination where serious wine curation meets refined British cuisine in a setting that's equal parts Instagram-worthy and authentically cool.

Planque: Where Railway Arch Grit Meets Natural Wine Sophistication

Hackney's cobalt-blue shrine to low-intervention bottles and British refinement

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The moment you step into Planque's railway arch setting, those striking cobalt blue walls make an immediate impression. Designed by Lipton Plant Architects with Copenhagen's Studio X handling interiors, the space achieves that coveted East London balance of casual yet refined that so many attempt but few nail. Natural light floods the eclectic furniture arrangement, creating an environment that feels both experimental and approachable. The railway arch location adds genuine character – this isn't manufactured industrial chic, but the real thing repurposed with sophistication. With a trendy factor scoring 8.5/10 and sophistication at 7.8/10, Planque delivers on its promise of 'refined yet relaxed' vibes. The energy level sits comfortably at 6.5/10, making it lively enough for a proper night out without overwhelming conversation. The temperature-controlled wine cellar visible on-site adds theatre to the experience, reinforcing their serious commitment to natural wine curation.

Food & Drink

Planque's menu is deliberately focused – around 15 mains and starters plus five desserts – with every dish crafted specifically to complement their extensive low-intervention wine list. The British cuisine leans refined, though the venue data suggests some dishes occasionally lack complexity according to reviews. What's clear is the kitchen's commitment to wine-friendly preparations, with many bottles matured on-site in their temperature-controlled cellar creating unique pairing opportunities you won't find elsewhere. The 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating indicates generally strong execution, even if not every plate reaches the heights of the wine program. This is fundamentally a wine-obsessed venue where food plays the supporting role – and there's nothing wrong with that approach when done with this level of commitment to the concept.

Service & Experience

While specific service details aren't extensively documented in available information, the venue operates an exclusive membership program that suggests a commitment to building relationships with regular guests. Members enjoy wine storage, preferential corkage, priority reservations, and access to members-only dinners – indicating a service philosophy that rewards loyalty and wine enthusiasm. The professional wine expertise mentioned in venue descriptions suggests staff who can guide you through their extensive natural wine selection, which is crucial given the complexity of low-intervention bottles. The members-only perks and priority reservation system hint at a venue that takes care of its regulars.

Value for Money

With a price level of 2/4, Planque positions itself in the mid-to-upper range – not cheap, but not astronomical either. The venue tags include 'hackney-splurge' and 'wine-investment-worthy,' suggesting you're paying for the experience and expertise rather than just the food. Given the on-site wine maturation, exclusive membership perks, and the sophisticated railway arch setting, the pricing reflects the unique offering. For natural wine enthusiasts, the ability to access bottles matured in their temperature-controlled cellar likely justifies the premium. However, those expecting complex cuisine to match the wine program might find the value proposition less compelling, particularly given feedback about occasional dish complexity issues.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Planque operates dinner Tuesday through Saturday, with Saturday lunch also available – but they're closed Sundays and Mondays, which significantly limits weekend options. The AI insider advice suggests Tuesday at 6pm offers optimal lighting for the Instagram-worthy cobalt aesthetic plus first pick from their on-site matured bottles before crowds arrive.

What to Focus On

Given the wine-obsessed nature of this venue, focus on their natural wine selection, particularly bottles from their temperature-controlled cellar that have been matured on-site. With only around 15 mains and starters, the menu is curated specifically for wine pairing, so let the sommelier guide your selections based on what they're pouring.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Book through their website at planque.co.uk/restaurant/ and consider the membership program if you're a serious natural wine enthusiast – the wine storage and preferential corkage alone could pay for itselfThe Tuesday 6pm slot gets you optimal lighting for photos and first access to their best bottlesThe railway arch location means mobile signal might be patchy – embrace the disconnect and focus on the wine education

The Final Verdict

Planque succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to be: a serious natural wine destination wrapped in East London cool. The railway arch setting provides authentic character, while the cobalt blue aesthetic and professional wine curation elevate it beyond typical Hackney trendiness. Yes, the food occasionally lacks complexity and the pricing reflects the 'special occasion' positioning, but for natural wine enthusiasts, the on-site maturation program and expert curation justify the investment. This isn't a place you stumble into – it's a destination that rewards planning and wine curiosity.

Christoff's Rating:
7.6/10

Perfect For:

Natural wine obsessives seeking rare, on-site matured bottlesEast London sophisticates wanting railway arch atmosphere with refined executionWine-focused diners who prioritize bottle selection over complex cuisine

Quick Details

1

Planque

⭐️ Railway arch dining
⭐️ Cobalt aesthetic
🍷 Wine cellar
⭐️ Members club
⭐️ East london refined

Tucked under Haggerston's railway arches, Planque represents the sophisticated evolution of East London's natural wine scene with their striking cobalt blue walls and temperature-controlled cellar where rare bottles mature on-site. The 60-seat space designed by Copenhagen's Studio X creates Instagram-worthy lighting while their extensive low-intervention wine list showcases bottles you simply won't find elsewhere. Their exclusive membership program offers wine storage, preferential corkage, and members-only dinners for serious collectors. While some dishes lack complexity, the overall experience successfully balances refined wine expertise with relaxed Hackney cool.

What's Great

✓ Temperature-controlled cellar matures rare wines on-site

✓ Stunning cobalt blue railway arch setting

Keep in Mind

× Closed Sundays and Mondays limits weekend dining options

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Book Tuesday 6pm for optimal lighting and first pick from their on-site matured bottles

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Dinner: Tue-Sat. Lunch: Sat. Closed Sun & Mon."
📍322 Acton Mews, London E8 4EA
💷£££
📞+44 20 7254 3414
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Planque has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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restaurants in london•
Aug 23, 2025
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