Bars & Pubs

This is one of a trio of innovative enterprises run by Malaysian-born Hassan Abdullah, Frenchman Michel Lasserre and Swede Stefan Karison: the others, both in Shoreditch, are French restaurant Les Trois Garçons and bar Loungelover (see p189). All three share a swank-camp sensibility when it comes to design - so prepare to be dazzled by starburst chandeliers, foil, brocade and fairy lights on glass-topped tables. As original as the decor are the 20-odd cocktails defined as 'Old' and 'New Flames' (£8-£9), the former including a Loungelover of Annex 3 fig liqueur, sweet vanilla, lemon oil and prosecco, the latter a Wasabi Kiss of wasabi, basil, kiwi, Skyy vodka and Drambuie. Panch cocktails (£16) are the house speciality, modern takes on 17th-century recipes from Charles H Baker's Jigger, Beaker & Glass; try the East Meets West of fresh blueberries, saké, Whitley Neill gin, rose syrup, pressed apple and ginger ale. Wines, four each by the glass, run from a house Terra Ventoux (£4.50/£16) to vintages costing three figures; an early-evening prix fixe menu (two courses for £14.95, three for £19.95) is a snip considering the quality of the fare on offer. Booking a table is advisable most nights.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9