Tenner Or Less: Squid Kitchen at Rose & Crown

Where? Kentish Town’s friendliest backstreet boozer, that’s where. You know, the one with sunken garden, streetfood residencies, basement arts venue, random furniture – and highly populated benches out front.

What? Squid. And chorizo. And more squid. And more chorizo. The does-what-it-says-on-the-tin Squid Kitchen serve a short menu of what they call ‘Madrid Market Eating’: the cone (pictured) is a good starter for two, stuffed with tender rings and crunchy tentacles; while the chorizo tostadas with honey and cream cheese make a fine booze-soaker-upper. But the mainstay is the crispy squid and chorizo burger, with watercress and aioli in a brioche bun (£9): superior streetfood, indeed. There are chargrilled padron peppers to nibble on, too.

Why? It’s as casual (and therefore authentic) as being in a tapas bar in Spain: dishes come out when they’re ready, it’s all wooden knives and forks, and the dishes have a ragged charm that’s a long way from the upmarket tapas bars strewn across Soho, Shoreditch and beyond.

Don’t: be scared if you’re veggie. Try the stuffed piquillo pepper with spring onion, thyme and cream cheese, the smoked paprika spiced sauce the perfect foil to sourdough.

Notes: It’s only open Tuesdays to Saturdays; and there are weekly and daily specials. Try a beer-tasting menu to accompany the dishes – Beavertown, Brew-by-Numbers, Hammerton and Tiny Rebel Club Tropicana.