Tag Archives: Brixton

London’s new cocktail bars

Posted on by

Cocktail bars seem to be popping up on every street corner. Once upon a time cocktails were sticky sweet, unnaturally coloured and headache inducing. Nowadays though, mixologists and top bartenders are considered to be the talented chefs of the drinks world, creating complex concoctions using scientific methods with a range of flavours and intricate garnishes. I love a classic old-fashioned but also enjoy trying the innovative new cocktails available so readily in London. Here are a few of the newest cocktail bars to check out, located in the centre, south and east of town.

Cahoots – this secret cocktail bar is great fun with good drinks too. You will be transported to the year of 1946 and taken down beneath the streets to a disused tube station, Kingly Court. The retro décor is brilliant, so convincing that it is difficult to know which bits are original and which bits have been created for the theme. The waitresses are in character with vintage dresses and cute accents which makes the experience even more immersive. The menu comprises mostly rum and gin drinks, though I highly recommend the whiskey based ‘Maker Street’.

Shrub and Shutter – Brixton has a few places worth trying for cocktails but Shrub and Shutter is easily leading in style and innovation. It is the first project from Salt of the Earth consultancy, an experimental and brave venture. The cocktail list is extensive with a range of unusual flavour combinations. Often the cocktails are presented with an edible snack, carefully chosen to match and accentuate the flavours of the drink. We tried the smooth and unexpected citrus gin based ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’ and the intriguing ‘The Deerhunter’ which combines tincup bourbon with orange, smoking pipe bitters, capovilla tabacco amarone, birch sap and venison. S & S also serve small plates if you are feeling a bit peckish.

Joyeux Bordel – the name of this new Shoreditch cocktail den translates to ‘happy mess’. It is the newest venture from the Experimental Cocktail Club connoisseurs. The venue has a lived-in feel and serves French inspired cocktails and shared punches. I haven’t tried it yet, but can’t wait to go along with a few girlfriends to try the menu.

Janelle Monae, Brixton Academy

Posted on by

I’m still not really sure what the word swagger means, but if pressed to define it, I’d say Janelle Monae sums it up. This little lady has more soul, rhythm and flair than any other modern musician. It is rare to see a singer-songwriter with such mesmerising moves and infectious energy. By the final song she had the whole floor bouncing.

Hailing from Kansas, Monae or the Electric Lady as she’s commonly known, has wowed British crowds for a few years now, popping up previously at summer festivals. I have seen her once before at Latitude Festival, when her cheeky talent was equally impressive. With her second album out, she is currently touring the UK spreading the joy of her music to every major city.

I joined a boisterous crowd at Brixton Academy for her, as always, monochrome show. Wearing a sharp tailored black outfit, she showcased her oeuvre – her set combined songs from the first and second albums, the singles particularly exciting the crowd.

Tightrope, her most celebrated track, was electrifying. I was oblivious to my surroundings as I screamed the lyrics with her and danced about madly in appreciation. Electric Lady was a blast too; as her voice soared on the melodic runs, the crowd joined in enthusiastically, not as tuneful as the star on stage but equally happy. I also really enjoyed her rendition of ABC made famous by the Jackson 5 which carried all the same youthful spirit as the original.

The crowd left elated, truly inspired by a musician who genuinely possesses a unique talent, Janelle Monae I salute you.

More information about Janelle Monae here.

Wishbone, Brixton Market

Posted on by

If you like chicken, you will love Wishbone. This trendy, casual eatery is the brainchild of food writer and chef William Leigh who aims to serve up ethically sourced, delicious, guilt-free fried chicken from its very own stylish surroundings in the infamous food hangout of Market Row in Brixton Market.

The UK is a nation of fried chicken lovers who regularly gobble battery chicken 3-piece meals from any one of the ‘something-FC’ establishments that can be found on the high street. Wishbone is here to change that. Wishbone offers a menu full of high quality, crispy, fresh-from-the-fryer chicken, plates of wings including twice fried, Korean style and their very own twist on the chicken burger. Alongside the birds and buns there is a range of simple, well chosen sides like slaw, black eyed pea salad and Mac ‘N’ Cheese Nuggets all to be washed down with selected craft beers.

William Leigh has spent the last four years researching and refining recipes as well as eating bucket loads of chicken across the world. From Brooklyn to Bangkok, he has sampled it all, using these experiences as the inspiration for Wishbone. Scott Collins of MEATLiquor joined Leigh in his chicken quest and helped him get his poultry dream off the ground. Amongst a book of closely guarded recipes, experienced and researched techniques and incredible ingredients, Wishbone hopes to become the definitive destination for fried chicken lovers.

William Leigh commented, “As a huge fan of fried chicken, I realised that for too long people have only ever been able to enjoy this classic, delicious US staple from battery farmed birds with low quality meat and this had to change. Wishbone will be taking something that was mistreated – overcooked, greasy, left in a hot cupboard for hours – and treat it as the hero.” On the Brixton location, Scott Collins added, “The decision to make Wishbone’s home Brixton was a pretty easy one. The food market’s growing reputation and Brixton’s diverse cultural roots will give Wishbone a truly distinct sense of community and soon become a home for friends looking for an ice cold beer and some hot, free-range, crispy chicken.”

This trendy restaurant-bar aims to please everyone with their offerings of moreish wholesome dishes and addictive cocktails. When I went along to the opening, I was devastated to miss nearly all the chicken, but I did sample the exquisite cocktails, very simple but delicious drinks made with a variety of different spirit bases.

Be warned most of the restaurants in Brixton market are closed on Mondays (including Wishbone) so I’d recommend visiting any other day. I’m hoping to return soon to try out the full menu.

More information here: www.wishbonebrixton.co.uk