Given the budget of £1000, I think the MX-5 or Clio are the best options. I had a budget of that and ended up with a 5, because they're reliable, easy to work on and way more fun than most other cars in that price range (And more, to be fair!)
The other option is a mk4 Golf / mk1 Leon / A3, they're pretty reliable & nippy.
Other than that you're looking at Fiesta / Corsa type stuff, which, well, nah.