AKA

Dropping in for a post-work snifter, we found AKA’s two-storey warehouse space pleasantly empty. The new Friday night, Blind Tiger, has taken on the vogueish speakeasy mantle to predictably brilliant effect – witness the Sazerac using 18-year-old Sazerac Rye (£8.50). For the fools not sampling the cocktails, there are nine well-chosen reds and whites, plus a couple of rosés and 18 champers, and premium spirits mostly listed by country to facilitate choice for those bewildered by pages of options. The beers don’t fare brilliantly; half a dozen, with only Kronenbourg on draught, but bottles include Theakston’s Old Peculier and Bulmers cider as well as lagers. Food comes courtesy of the nearby Pizza Express. The punters? Chilled, but picking up momentum. Soundtrack? The same. Bar staff? Friendly, enthusiastic, well informed.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008

Services:

: Comedy (7.30pm 2nd Thur of mth; £8)
Disabled: toilet
Function room: Bar available for hire
Music: DJs 10pm daily; free
Other: Quiz (8pm 1st Tue of mth; free). Screening facilities (call for details)

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