Chiave is a cosy bar that comes with a certain amount of conceptualising, not least the fact that the cocktails on bartender Bilal Tekec’s menu are nominally paired to individual songs (which you can access by QR code). It’s quite fun – I was thrilled when I got the fact that the name of the boldly savory, olive oil centric martini the Spybreak was a reference to a modest successful 1997 single from big beat combo the Propellerheads.
Still, the concept never really gets in the way of what is really a fairly simple experience: Tekec’s drinks are on the whole tasteful remixes of tried and tested cocktails. The bar snacks selection is petite but perfectly formed and refuses to get into small plates territory (the fanciest thing on it is the very delicious £10 plate of cream cheese and mushroom truffle sauce crackers). There is, naturally, a nice soundsystem. The staff are extremely friendly.
What makes it magical on a hot day is grabbing a seat by the fully open front and just watching backstreet Shoreditch drift by like an unusually trendy Mediterranean country. Chiave is in no way flamboyant, but the vibes are immaculate.
Order this
Flamenco Sketches – named after a Miles Davis number – is a sensational pomegranate and raspberry-based vodka cocktail-slash-fruit explosion that also comes in a non-alcoholic variety.
Time Out tip
If the weather’s nice, do anything in your power to get a window seat .