The Shoreditch Review

Shoreditch is a nice place to unwind and sample some delectable cocktails. Our latest trip bought us to the not-so-originally-named The Shoreditch venue. From the outside the bar looks, well, ... pretty tacky to be honest with all the bright blue lights. Really the front of this bar would fit in just perfect in Soho.
Inside the decoration is veritable mix and match. You can find fake African statuettes, a ship's figurehead, heck, there is even a dead tiger on the ceiling. First I thought I was already drunk and mistaking the floor with the ceiling (again) but nope, there was a real tiger skin bolted to the ceiling.
The theme seems to be exotic, but more in the sense of cheap exotic fruit juice that you buy at those Turkish shops than real outlandish and beautiful art. Shoreditch art students failing again. Have I also mentioned there's a dead tiger pelt on the ceiling? Inevitably staring right through your soul.
For some reason there's also packets of ice on the floor. Go figure.

Oh yeh, the drinks. The Shoreditch is so far the only cocktail bar where we've managed to uncontrollably giggle and roar after reading the menu. We might as well have been reading the Joker's evil cocktail menu. If you ever want to waste your monthly wages people, just go to this bar and order yourself a Tiger's Head. Cost? 800£. It's ok though, because you can share it with 10 ... Seriously though, for that price I expect to bathe in my drinks, poured by a harem of virgins dressed as princess Leila (You know which dress, truly you know) while being read, ... no, cantated, poetry from William Blake.
Anyway we decided NOT to take the Tiger's Head and instead opted for a Planet of the Apes and a Bees Knees. As outrageous as some prices were, we got the Happy Hour deal and it was only 10£ for those two. For that price we found the drinks very agreeable and acceptable.
The Planet of the Apes is a cocktail made from rum and banana juice. A pretty well balanced cocktail with the taste of rum right there in the front seat of your taste buds. It also came in an awesome porcelain barrel mug. I've never seen Subject T look so happy except maybe for that one time he had dozed off on the tube, dreaming of punching David Cameron square in the mouth.

The Bees Knees is an excellent summer drink. The glass was frosty it almost came straight from the ice-age.  Although the menu says it's a cocktail of gin and honey, there's a very pleasant taste of lime all throughout the drink. Turning this into a marvellous refreshing and smooth drink.

We had a great time in The Shoreditch, apart from mocking the drinks and furniture we leaned back enjoying our cocktails. Meanwhile nodding to the beats of some smooth reggae. Unfortunately we were told that the princess is in another bar



Subject Bourbon signing off

Drunk Geeks @ Bar Polski

In a previous article we mentioned finding Spiritual Bar tucked away in a side-street in Camden. In the same category of Hidden Gems we present to you: Bar Polski near New Oxford Street. The bar could possibly not be hidden any worse. In a side-street of a side-street that would make the most notorious rapist glimmer with anticipation.

As the name suggests Bar Polski is a very modern and stylish Polish bar dedicated to wodka spirits and mixers. Their assortment is absolutely incredible, ranging from pure distilled potato-based vodka to the famous Zubrowka to melon-flavoured spirits. Polish bar has it all.

The bar itself is extremely stylish with lounge-based music and has the option to try out some polish-based local cuisine. Drunk Geeks surely recommend the Bigos.

Our only complaint? Mixing the spirits with just soda gets tiring rather fast. There was a bit of a lack of variation from the mixers from our bartender. Or a lack of passion for his trade?

Codename Bourbon signing off.

Caipirinhas @ Spiritual Bar

In London you have every so often the opportunity to find those hidden gems of a pub/bar. Completely tucked away in a little sidestreet near a huge shopping road. They make the search for a good venue that much worth it however!
Last weekend we had the privilige of walking into Spiritual, a Brazilian bar in Camden dedicated to Cachaça, and the country's flagship cocktail: the Caipirinha.

The bar itself was a bit small but was packed full of atmosphere and, we were told, had space for musical events. Although sadly not on Sundays it seemed. The staff itself was friendly, social, and perhaps most importantly: passionate about their trade.

Downside was the little wonky table which can be rather problematic when you're drinking shots. And gauging from the sticky surface that's the exact same sentiments of its previous occupants.

The spirit of the house was Germana: 

This cachaça -which unlike rum is made from fresh cane juice- had a beautiful golden colour that hinted at its exceptional sweet taste. The drink itself had a great palate for a spirit and ended with a smooth finish.

The Caipirinha's in the bar were traditionally made and shaken. A fact which as far as caipirinhas are concerned, is unfortunately a rare thing nowadays. They tasted fresh and the balance of all the ingredients was a perfect match. A truly great cocktail. To top it off it was only 3£ during Happy Hour which made both our wallets and taste buds go ecstatic.

We found it to to be the perfect ending for a warm and sunny day.