Tag Archives: new

THOROUGHLY MODERN MAN: Drake and Morgan, Kings Cross

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deli

Bar and restaurant group Drake & Morgan has launched its latest addition, the eponymous Drake and Morgan in the rather swish and streamlined Pancras Square development in Kings Cross. Having already visited Parlour Bar, one of eight sister sites to Drake and Morgan, we were excited to see what was in store for us. Needless to say we were not disappointed.

The most recent venture from Jillian Maclean’s innovative bar group, Drake and Morgan continues to build on the themes of high quality food and drink served impeccably in elegant and modern settings. The location is spread across two floors and features many areas, including a restaurant, two bars, a deli and lounge, a number of kitchen pods that can be booked for any meal of the day, as well as an outdoor terrace. The space itself has a minimalist design, with mirror and metal creating a sleek backdrop for your afternoon drinks or evening bite.

Drinks on offer are predictable in terms of the quality of products and expert handling from the bartenders at any of the bars over the two floors. Bar/drinks consultants Hops & Jigger are behind the menu, and we would advise you to focus especially on the cocktail list – our favourites include the mescal and ginger-based Doctor’s Orders, or the Lemongrass Collins with Ketel one and rice wine. The wine list is equally impressive, with all tastes and budgets covered.

For food, twists on classics fill the small plates section, with the tuna, sesame and ginger spoons, and the lobster mac & cheese (my personal menu Achilles heel) standing out among the savoury options. While we did not sample the larger plates when we investigated Drake and Morgan, the quality of the sirloin steak suggested good things for our inevitable return. Even the peppered goat cheese, watermelon, and almond combination won me over at second tasting, and I picked up several more of the little collaboration just to “make sure”.

Despite its slightly hidden-away location, Drake and Morgan is now well and truly confirmed on my Kings Cross map. With DJs on until late on the usual nights, it joins an emerging nightlife hub alongside Vinoteca and D&D London in the newly reopened German Gymnasium: Kings Cross naysayers, prepare to eat your words.

More information and book a table here.

Written by a Thoroughly Modern Man, James Bomford.

London’s new cocktail bars

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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.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 249

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Whilst in West London a few weeks ago I stumbled across a new little concept store which I can’t resist writing about. Located on the edge of Portobello Road, it is moments away from the busy tourist trail, on the quiet corner of Kensington Park Road.

Native & Co is an independent homeware shop, offering tableware, kitchenware, textiles and accessories. Specialising in high quality, crafted home products sourced from Japan and Taiwan, the products are picked for their unique originality. Native & Co believes in the beauty of simplicity, craftsmanship and honest materials. I found a range of lovely items here, including beautiful Japanese notepads, attractive aluminium kitchen equipment, minimalist Arita Porcelain and stylish leather tote bags.

Shop Address:

116 Kensington Park Road
Notting Hill
London W11 2PW

More information and shop here.