Tag Archives: East London

An Evening East: Burgers and Booze

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Once a place of dangerous streets and damaged shop fronts, Hackney is now full of hot haunts. Conveniently, multiple bus routes run through the borough and overground and underground stations are dotted around. Last Friday evening I jumped off the tube at Bethnal Green ready to explore this exciting neighbourhood.

Satan’s Whiskers: Dark and sultry this little vintage bar is not hidden or secret but still manages to create a sense of allure and intrigue inside. With humorous taxidermy decorating the den and flickering candles on the tables, the prohibition vibe is very present. Started up by three master mixologists, SW doesn’t aim to produce the most adventurous or unique cocktails, instead preferring to mix practically perfect versions of classics and favourites. Clover Club was a pastel pink with a thick foamy top, wonderfully balanced with a zesty kick.

The Advisory: Named in TimeOut as one of London’s top burger outlets, I had high hopes for this venue. Interestingly named after the Asian Women’s Advisory Centre that was previously on the site, this restaurant prides itself on offering inexpensive burgers and beer of high quality. Witty remarks cover the walls, we sat below the direct order “Ketchup must be applied to the fries”. Our order took a while to arrive, but the results were pleasing… sweet soft brioche buns holding a cheese coated patty, crisp lettuce, tomato and crispy bacon. The meat was a little overcooked for my liking but the flavour was still good. Perhaps they could be a bit more experimental with their recipes and flavours.

Sager & Wilde: This is my new favourite wine bar, and the kind of place you wish was your local. I can imagine whiling away Friday evenings here, sipping exceptional (and reasonably priced) wine and enjoying the atmosphere of the dimly lit bar. Alongside the innovative wine list, there is a list of tempting cheesy treats and meaty snacks. It is a winning combination.

Here’s to Hackney, home of many weird and wonderful venues. I hope to return to try some more soon.

White Lyan, Hoxton

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As the prohibition bar trend begins to recede, cocktail purveyors look for new ideas to tempt customers. White Lyan is certainly unlike any other bar I’ve visited… award-winning mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana has created a bar which does not stock nor use perishable ingredients, omits ice and avoids all branded products. For his first solo venture he has challenged himself to a tricky task of concocting brilliant cocktails without any of the usual components.

The drinks are thoughtful and clever, most of the hard labour is done before the doors open… bottles of refined and rebuilt spirits sit scientifically in the fridges behind the bar. It is experimental but understated mixology, and it is certainly a lot calmer behind the bar without all the ice crushing and lemon zesting. When it comes to substituting the usual elements of ice, sugar, egg white and citrus, Ryan has an answer: a fragrance atomiser which adds zing to some recipes and a small electrical mixer used as a thickener to recipes that need it. There were moments when I thought, wow these cocktails are great, but wouldn’t they taste even better with the forbidden fruits.

The no frills, simple venue has retained many of the previous pub’s features, the focus is on the quality of drinks rather than a fancy interior. It is a notion I appreciated and understood. The price point is noticeably more reasonable than the competitors: cocktails are £6-9 each. The Moby Dick Sazarac is already a firm favourite made with rye, Peychaud’s bitters and absinthe-soaked rice paper. It is a tasty and exceptionally well balanced drink; I found the floating particles of ambergris (sperm whale secretion) rather distracting… but apparently it is crucial for adding texture and body. The Lyan Club Cocktail was rather more delicate – a lovely combination of Mr Lyan Gin, turmeric and red apple shrub, and soda. Off menu we tried various other wonderful concoctions, and I can recommend the Gimletto, Shurbo Tandy and the White Lyan take on a Whisky Sour.

Located in the less trendy end of Hoxton, you have to look hard to find White Lyan. I’ll let you decide whether Ryan’s creations are crazy, cool or clever; one thing’s for sure… everyone is talking about this new cocktail concept bar in London and I think it deserves the hype.

More information here: whitelyan.com

Hot on the Highstreet Week 193: Redchurch Street

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Blink and you might miss something on Redchurch Street. Every time I visit there are a host of new boutiques, cafés and shops to discover. When the sun came out yesterday Shoreditch was full of Londoners and tourists making the most of the dry weather and blue sky. After a stint at my favourite flower market on Columbia Road we wandered to Redchurch Street where East London shopping is at it’s very finest. Here’s my pick of the bunch:

Start your shopping at Labour and Wait where you can find classic homeware, stationery and utilitarian clothing. Your home will thank you!

Parisian perfume at Etat Libre D’Orange, trendy but sophisticated scents.

Shop and eat or vice versa at Cafe And, a clean cut contemporary venue with great design pieces and a lovely dining room.

Scandic simplicity rules at Hostem, where you can find a range of international designer clothing. The shop is filled with old furniture but feels alarmingly up to date.

Pasta lovers will delight in Burro e Salvia, Shoreditch’s first pastificio. For daytime dining and pasta making courses.

Recently the Redchurch community welcomed West London hit Aime. I love the carefully curated selection of designers, including the much coveted Isabel Marant.

Beautiful and obscure objects will overwhelm you at Maison Trois Garcons, which also houses a restaurant particularly popular on weekends.

For cool cuts visit Radio Salon, or for a retro up-do The Painted Lady does the best beehives in town.

Take a coffee break at Allpress Espresso, the caffeine obsessives who pour a perfect flat white and offer awesome homemade cakes.

Enjoy a healthy Peruvian brunch at Andina, I can recommend the Mini Chicharrones (Confit pork belly with rococo chilli jam) and the Choclo Corn Cake with fresco cheese, avocado and salsa. Wash it down with a freshly pressed apple or melon juice.

Can’t fit it all into one day? Stay overnight at Design haven, The Boundary Hotel.