Sager + Wilde, Mother Kelly’s, and Paradise Garage in a row? It’s too good to be true. Wait, it’s called Paradise Row, you say? Right, now I know you’re taking the piss. Oh, and the Typing Room, Peg + Patriot, and Redchurch Brewery are just round the corner? Sure mate, whatever you say.
I mean, it really is ridiculous how great the food and drink scene is in Bethnal Green at the moment. And the fun shows no sign of stopping as Sager + Wilde (formerly called Mission) have just launched a cosy Mad Men-esque Old Fashioned lounge in partnership with Woodford Reserve in their mezzanine space above the main bar and restaurant.
There are 5 versions to try, each priced at £10 – Classic, Olive Oil, Toasted Coconut, Burnt Maple, and Tonka + Rooibos. I can personally vouch for the quality of the Olive Oil and Burnt Maple twists. The latter is fairly sweet as you would expect, but a dash of Ilegal mezcal and walnut bitters adds complexity. The Olive Oil is a clever creation, involving some sous vide science to combine the bourbon with olive oil, plus sandalwood syrup, olive leaf bitters and orange oils. It’s one smooth drink.
If you don’t fancy an Old Fashioned, there’s a longer cocktail list to choose from which bizarrely includes a whole section on milk punches that you’ll have to get Marcis, Max or whoever is on the bar to clarify. Being a huge Tommy’s Margarita fan, I went straight for the Wax & Smoke – bees wax tequila, mezcal, lime, grapefruit, agave, and bee pollen liqueur.
It’s a great addition to Paradise Row, and the perfect place to retire to when the sun goes down this summer, but it is worth noting that both Sager + Wilde and neighbouring Mother Kelly’s have really upped their al fresco game too with buzzing popup bars and food offerings on the pavement.
S+W also regularly put on wonderful ticketed events, including a weekly wine school every Saturday from 3-4pm, a bimonthly cocktail workshop every 2nd and 4th Sunday from 2-4pm, and special dinners. Check the event listings for Paradise Row and their smaller Hackney Road wine bar here.
Arch 250 Paradise Row, E2 9LE
Wed-Thu 6pm-Midnight, Fri-Sun 12pm-Midnight, Closed Mon-Tue
