Another new bar that got away from me this year is TT Liquor in Hoxton, a beautiful, multi-functional hangout that boasts a basement boozer, a liquor store, and space for tastings, mixology classes and kitchen residencies. I first dropped in during London Cocktail Week when they were in Scotch Egg Club mode, and then again a couple of weeks later for a post-dinner drink. You enter through the shop, surrounded by shelves stacked high with premium bottles of booze. This then leads to a maze of rooms for ticketed events, and a cellar bar for candlelit cocktails. I’m yet to book on to one of their experiences but I’m rather tempted by the molecular cocktail classes and the Petit Chef popup.
The subterranean bar (currently only open Thu-Sat apparently – check ahead) has cosy corners for a quiet drink, and secluded vaults (formerly jail cells) for private tastings, but you’ll always find me where the action is – at the bar. Their cocktail menu takes inspiration from four eras, from the Belle Époque period at the turn of the 20th century, to “Our Time”, giving the team the license to make all manner of drinks with names like Satay-Day Night Fever, Sexy Kung Fu Fighter and Magnum PI. The inspiration for each cocktail is smartly listed beneath so you have a vague idea where they are coming from. We enjoyed The Madison (a twist on a Gibson with Chase Vodka, Belsazar Dry and cornichon vinegar), Oh My Darlin’ (a fruity Sidecar with mango infused cognac) and a Swizzle-inspired Toucan with Koko Kanu, passion fruit, and yoghurt. Considering the location, drinks were reasonably priced at £8.50 a go, and the atmosphere was fun but relaxed on a Friday night. TT Liquor is a great, fresh addition to the crowded East London bar scene.
TT Liquor – ttliquor.co.uk
17B Kingsland Road, E2 8AA
