If you're as much of a high-end-cocktail-lover as I am with a taste for the unique & unusual, then this is easily one of the best places in London to get your fix and snag some totally Instagrammable content while you're at it. While this particular establishment isn't in as fancy an area as the one near Bishopsgate, the interior leaves nothing to be desired; with its posh decor, upbeat music, and chill vibe, I'd say it's one of the nicest places in Shoreditch. The symbolism tends to run a bit rampant throughout everything, but you can't say they're not consistent with the image they're trying to convey.
The cocktail menu definitely lives up to its name and offers a multitude of crazy concoctions that will 'wow' both you and your followers, and there are enough of them to please any palate, provided you're not allergic to sweetness. Yes, these babies are some serious sugar bombs. However, given my personal experience, they are mixed to perfection. I just had to try the Color-Changing One, and was surprised when my server brought me an empty glass and two beakers- one with a mysterious blue liquid, and the other with a simple clear liquid. He instructed me to pour the blue one in first, then the clear one. You would think it's super simple, but having to hold your phone in one hand while filming yourself pour with the other is no small feat. So, bring a friend. Unfortunately, Yelp doesn't support the video format I took it in, but let me tell you: It. Was. Awesome. Straight out of a mad scientist's laboratory, the cocktail "smokes" and performs a little dance for you, while changing color and popping out a few "smoke circles" for good measure. Really, it's just liquid nitrogen, and perfectly safe to drink, though you wouldn't know it from the abnormality of it all. A few of the cocktails also come in a hip flask that you get to keep once you're done pouring it. Of these, I highly recommend the Hipflask Colada, which has strong notes of coconut and pineapple mixed with rum.
Food-wise, the menu is pretty simple and straightforward, but whilst far from being on the healthy side, it's good enough to be worth what you pay for it. The French Dip Steak Sandwich was a bit too "meh" for me, but the Halloumi Fries were pretty decent. You also have a selection of fried chicken sandwiches, burgers, plenty of fried starters, and some banging desserts. Really, that fifth star has nothing to do with the food; it's all about the drinks.
What surprised me a bit was the pricing. Whilst my bill wouldn't be what I call "cheap," it also wasn't as expensive as one would expect given the uniqueness and care that has gone into the drink menu, as well as the snazzy ambiance you're dining in.
Overall, this is definitely an experience I wouldn't pass up. If you can, however, try booking the one near Liverpool Street; it's nicer. read more