Shaker & Company

One of my favourite bars in London right now. Situated on a rather bleak stretch of Hampstead Road (walkable from Warren St or Euston), it's rarely rammed and therefore perfect for quiet drinks and dates. As you would expect from a company who own a bar school, the cocktails are first class - carefully put together and beautifully presented. (They are also exceptional value during Happy Hour!). Our favourite is the Cox's Gravespinner - Bacardi Superior, spiced mango, honey and apple cordial, and fresh lime over plenty of crushed ice. A truly grown-up mojito-style tipple with a gentle spiced flavour. Be careful not to suck up the cardamom pods with your straw...

They do serve food but it's not in the same league as the drinks. It's dressed up as 'soul food' but our platter was basically an assortment of fried things - sweet potato wedges, tempura okra, etc - with decent dips. Fine if you just want to soak up the alcohol but not for 'dinner' as such. (You can always jump in a taxi to Goodge St / Charlotte St for Salt Yard, Siam Central, and more.)

They have comedy and acoustic nights as well as a regularly changing booze branded basement bar, so it's worth following them on twitter or signing up to the newsletter to stay in the loop. The staff are lovely and really clued up about their cocktails. Definitely worth a visit.
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8 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, May 09, 2012