The Islington bar with no name has gained quite a reputation with its deliciously drinkable cocktails and laid back speakeasy vibe. The bar was opened in 2009 by Tony Conigliaro (Isola, Roka and Shochu Lounge) and Camille Hobby-Limon (Charles Lamb pub). Now known by its address, 69 Colbrooke Row’s following is steadily growing, a hot spot for cocktails in North-East London.
I’m relieved to have discovered this bar as I’ve often wandered along Upper Street in search of a decent drink and not been totally satisfied with the choice, until now that is. I may be a 69 Colbrooke regular from now on!
The bar is hip yet retro with Martini signs on the entrance and a sophisticated black and red theme inside. I loved the staff outfits – stylish jackets and shirts that looked slightly Charlie Chaplin-esque. When we went along on a warm Sunday afternoon, the windows were open and the place was empty, we smugly had the bar and the bar staff all to ourselves. The menu is short but sublime, not wasting any space with dud drinks instead preferring to only offer top notch cocktails carefully created and of the highest quality.
We thoroughly enjoyed all the concoctions we tried, four very particular drinks each with its own taste and curious twist. Talking to the waitress, we chose to sample the favourites on the list to see exactly why they had become so popular.
Barbershop Fizz – Pine infused Beefeater Gin, Birch syrup, Patchouli infused Mint, Lime juice, topped with Soda.
This was perhaps the star of the night, a stunningly simple long pale green drink garnished with a curl of lime zest, it looks a million dollars. The subtle pine infused gin has a slightly medicinal taste and gives a warm woody tang balanced with the refreshing mint and sharp citrus lime; diluted with soda water, it is a cooling and stimulating cocktail. Very drinkable and perfect for the warmer months, but totally distinctive.
Spitfire – 69 House Cognac, Peach Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Sugar, White Wine.
This is a grown up but girly cocktail, shaken fiercely with egg white it has a creamy smooth texture and fluffy top. Despite the strong sweet alcohol, the peach, lemon and wine makes this drink dainty and delightful, I could have happily drunk three in a row.
Vinus Lupus – Clover Honey, Chamomile, Verjus, Mastic and Sauvignon Blanc.
Served in a wine glass with ice cubes, this isn’t your typical cocktail. It is a low key and subtle drink for those wishing to try an exciting variation on white wine. The delicate honey sweet undertones make the drink comforting and satisfying. We enjoyed this drink but found it not to be as memorable as the others, perhaps a good choice for less enthusiastic cocktail drinkers.
Rhubarb Gimlet – Homemade Rhubarb Cordial stirred with Beefeater Gin and a Grapefruit twist.
A miniature glass holds a lethal but sensationally pretty pale pink liquid that warms your throat and soothes your soul. Usually I am repelled by bitter fruit flavours but this mixture works miraculously well, the sweet caramelly taste from the rhubarb balancing the flavours beautifully. Strong but divine.
The bar operate a thankfully easy pricing system with all cocktails costing £9 each, reasonable considering the care and expertise of preparation.
69 Colbrooke serves up seriously good cocktails in a gorgeous intimate boudoir. Old fashioned and discreet, it is a welcome oasis away from islington’s busy Upper Street.
Visit the 69 Colbrooke website here for more information.