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Squished in among a strip of shops that, by day, let’s be honest, have a bit of the Shane Meadows about them, from the outside Mona’s Bar looks like a strong example of accidental hipster. But when the tinted glass doors open for business, it’s clear that the tan leather chairs and plush floor-length curtains are aspects of an expertly curated look, rather than relics of a business that the 1970s forgot. Tottenham is not afraid of serving up a night out to its dwellers, but largely offers boozers and spots for an all-night sesh.
Mona’s is a welcome in-betweener. At the weekends, DJs playing everything from funk and soul to deep house tempt in crowds of fashionable locals. But before it becomes the most chic house party you ever saw, make sure to appreciate the cocktail menu. It offers several concoctions (each at a very reasonable £8.50): the Chelsea Girl – rose gin, triple sec, rhubarb bitters, simple syrup and lemon – tasted a little more basic than it sounded on paper but was well balanced and beautifully presented.
If it’s not a cocktail kind of night there’s a small selection of local craft beers – Brewheadz often feature and do their brewing less than a mile away. The bar snack options were totally overpriced but undeniably delicious, like the pizza-flavoured pretzel pieces for £3 each. But it’s more of a liquid dinner kind of place anyway. Claim a stool near the suitably serious but fabulous bar staff and watch how the party plays out.