Created with flickr slideshow.

Thursday 1 January 2015

Sovereign Loss - Birdcage - Wilton's Music Hall

Happy New Year! Matt The List soldiers on as usual.  Here are three recent highlights from last month:

Thursday 18th December - The food scene in Brixton Market has been turning heads for some time now, but 2014 saw the opening of some cracking new cocktail bars on Coldharbour Lane.  

The Shrub & Shutter and Seven sequel Three Eight Four both arrived around August and were well received.  

Sneaking in just at the end of the year though was Sovereign Loss, a much more understated classic cocktail bar hidden above the Prince of Wales near The Ritzy.  It's a cosy, candlelit den perfect for a late night drink, not least because they have a ridiculously late licence.  I'm talking a last man standing and the sun is shining type of licence.  Chris Dennis (Trailer Happiness) & Joe St Clair Ford (Wax Jambu, Campari & Aperol Ambassador) are the dream team behind the no frills bar.

Presidente (Santa Teresa Reserva, Cinzano Caracao, Pomegranate), New Corpse Reviver (Louis Royer V.S., Pommeau, Sweet Vermouth) and Metropole (Courvoisier Exclusif, Sweet Vermouth, Dubonnet, Peychaud's & Orange Bitters) were the most successful concoctions on an early visit. Don't expect any rotovap spirits or mysterious mixology here, the £8 cocktails don't mess around. 



It was only a flying visit, and they are still settling in, so I'll head back again soon, but I thought I'd put it on everyone's radar.  With that late licence, the bartending community is bound to flock to Sovereign Loss after dark once the word is out.

Bars in my sights: Vestal Vodka's Ladies & Gentlemen toilet boozer & Kilburn Ironworks from Jimi Pearce & co. (Wax Jambu), plus follow up visits to Original Sin and High Water.


----------------------------------------------------

Monday 29th December - Brewdog, Craft Beer Co. and The Draft House are responsible for 15 of the best places to drink beer in London, and all three "chains" deserve credit for making each site a unique watering hole.

The latest to join the team is The Draft House's refurbishment of Columbia Road classic, The Birdcage.  It was on the brink of bankruptcy after a long period of decline, but now it is back in business.



Whilst it's clearly part of The Draft House canon, The Birdcage has retained some of its East End charms, such as live music evenings and Square Pie Co pies with Mash & Liquor.  If you aren't familiar with liquor, it is a white sauce with chopped parsley and a dash of pale ale (rather than the traditional eel juice!). My chicken and bacon was a fine example of the genre.



As for the drinks, the draught & bottled beer list is predictably strong.  Lagunitas Maximus IPA, Redchurch Great Eastern IPA and Siren When The Light "Gose" Out were all on good form when we visited.

But the beers have got fierce competition from pre-bottled cocktails served from the optics for only £5 a go.  Max Chater from Bump Caves (the experimental bar beneath Draft House Tower Bridge) is the man responsible for ready-to-go Sazeracs, Negronis (with their own "Victory Gin") and Treacles (Raisin Infused Diplomatico Anejo, Bump Bitters, Apple) which the barstaff can dish out at high speed.  

And if you need something a bit punchier, try one of their special "Bumps", quirky spirits created on the Bump Caves rotovap to pair with particular beers.  We sampled a delicious ~40% distilled Christmas Pudding on our way out.





Pies, beers and booze - what more do you need?  The Birdcage is a wonderful local, but also worth going out of the way for.  Another winner for The Draft House & Bump Caves team.

Square Meal

----------------------------------------------

For a final drink of the evening, Tim and I made our way over to Wilton's Music Hall, a stunning arts venue near Aldgate with charming bars which started life as an alehouse around 1743.  Have a full read of the fascinating history here.

The venue is actually undergoing a fair amount of work at the moment which puts the cocktail bar out of action until at least March, but the ground floor Mahogany Bar is still open.  A solid beer selection including Adnams Dry Hopped Lager and ELB Spiced Christmas Ale kept Tim happy, whilst I moved on to whisky with the likes of Jura, Lagavulin & Laphroaig to choose from.



Photo Credit : Simon Carr Photography

I'll report back in greater detail another time, but it's such a wonderful place that it deserves a quick shout out just in case anyone didn't know about it.  Keep an eye on their website for updates on refurbishments and to see what's on. 

25 comments:

  1. I really enjoyed this blog post, thank you for sharing it. I’ll return for more. See you soon! 카지노사이트

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love checking your articles, your articles teach me a lesson about this issue in any case, why you have considered framing me on faulty centers, in any case, in comparison to the general article. 스포츠토토

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon. 바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is really great work. Just keep writing this kind of post. Keep it up. Thanks for sharing 파워볼

    ReplyDelete
  5. They have a surprisingly light substance and take away a more well, it's better than anything standard to see how some people still make a quality post. 카지노사이트

    ReplyDelete
  6. You have a good point here! I totally agree with what you have said !! Thanks for sharing your views ... hope more people will read this article . I have browsed most of your posts. This post is probably where I got the most. This is a fantastic website, thanks for sharing. There's no doubt i would fully rate it after i read what the idea about this article is. You did a nice . You have done a amazing job with you website 메이저사이트

    ReplyDelete
  7. An impressive share, I merely with all this onto a colleague who had previously been conducting a little analysis within this. And that he the truth is bought me breakfast simply because I uncovered it for him.. here------------- I gotta bookmark this website it seems very useful very helpful. I enjoy reading it. I fundamental to learn more on this subject.. Thanks for the sake theme this marvellous post.. Anyway, I am gonna subscribe to your silage and I wish you post again soon. I am curious to find out what blog system you are utilizing? I’m having some minor security problems with my latest website and I would like to find something more secure. 토토경비대

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it. I know this is one of the most meaningful information for me. And I'm animated reading your article. But should remark on some general things, the website style is perfect; the articles are great. Thanks for the ton of tangible and attainable help. Thank you for another great article. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect way of writing. 토토지식백과

    ReplyDelete
  9. I precisely needed to thank you very much once more. I am not sure what I would have undertaken in the absence of the actual tips and hints discussed by you over my topic. It truly was the terrifying matter for me, but understanding the very professional avenue you treated that made me to cry for gladness. Extremely thankful for your assistance and expect you are aware of a great job you’re accomplishing instructing the others through the use of a web site. I’m certain you have never met all of us. 토토SOS

    ReplyDelete
  10. Easily, the article is actually the best topic on this registry related issue. I fit in with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your next updates. Just saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the fantasti c lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. I like viewing web sites which comprehend the price of delivering the excellent useful resource free of charge. I truly adored reading your posting. Thank you! There's no doubt i would fully rate it after i read what is the idea about this article. You did a nice job. 파워에이스

    ReplyDelete
  11. Awesome article! I want people to know just how good this information is in your article. It’s interesting, compelling content. Your views are much like my own concerning this subject. This post is very informative on this topic. I feel strongly that love and read more on this topic. I just tripped upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog stations. Thanks for sharing. I was very pleased to find this website. I wanted to thank you for your time for this wonderful post!! I definitely enjoy reading it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post. 헤이먹튀

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and stay up for searching for extra of your great post. Additionally, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks! An fascinating discussion is value comment. I feel that you must write extra on this matter, it may not be a taboo topic but generally individuals are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. using wooden wall decors at home is a great alternative to using those expensive metal wall decors . it's extremely cool blog. Connecting is exceptionally valuable thing.you have truly made a difference. 토블리먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  13. Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little study on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: That are unquestionably superb. The majority of tiny specs are fashioned owning lot of track record competence. I'm just seeking to it again quite a lot. I found this is an informative and interesting post so i think so it is very useful and knowledgeable. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. 카이소

    ReplyDelete
  14. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything such as this before. So nice to get somebody by original ideas on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this amazing site is a thing that is needed on-line, a person with a bit of originality. valuable task for bringing new stuff on the world wide web! Satisfying posting. It would appear that a lot of the stages are depending upon the originality aspect. “It’s a funny thing about life if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it Useful information. Fortunate me I discovered your web site by accident, and I am stunned why this accident didn’t came about in advance! I bookmarked it. 토토지식백과

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi! I could have sworn Iíve been to this web site before but after going through a few of the articles I realized itís new to me. Anyhow, Iím certainly delighted I stumbled upon it and Iíll be book-marking it and checking back often! 먹튀마루

    ReplyDelete
  16. You have performed a great job on this article. It’s very precise and highly qualitative. You have even managed to make it readable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you so much. 바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete
  17. It is very well written, and your points are well-expressed. I request you warmly, please, don’t ever stop writing.
    토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  18. when you are equipped doing everything we've were given mentioned within the previous paragraphs, that is thinking about your shopping listing with cautious planning accuracy, locating the medicine you require remember that we've a brilliant quantity of sildenafil pills, which are frequent viagra drugs of their distinct variations, paperwork and dosages and sending them to the purchasing cart, you may be redirected to the page together together with your non-public statistics. In which else might also truly all of us get that kind of facts in any such best way of. Whilst i am additionally keen of having enjoy. 스포츠토토

    ReplyDelete
  19. may additionally i in reality say what a relief to uncover someone that without a doubt is aware of what they will be speakme about online. You in reality recognize the way to bring a hassle to mild and make it crucial. Extra human beings have to test this out and apprehend this issue of the story. I used to be amazed that you are not extra popular due to the fact you simply have the gift. Subsequent time i examine a blog, i am hoping that it does no longer disappoint me simply as a bargain as this one. I suggest, i are aware of it modified into my choice to read, but i in truth believed you will possibly have some aspect exciting to talk approximately. All i concentrate is a set of crying about a few factor you can repair if you had been now not too busy seeking interest. You've got made a few superb points there. I checked at the internet to find out greater about the hassle and determined most people will go along with your perspectives in this website. 스포츠토토

    ReplyDelete
  20. Glad to see a nice post. I am very impressed to see a post. It is very effective and interesting. Fauquier Traffic Lawyer

    ReplyDelete
  21. En la India antigua también se desarrolló una importante doctrina médica.
    한국야동

    ReplyDelete
  22. Walking around the Belgian seaside.
    한국야동

    ReplyDelete
  23. La Chambre de la CPI était composée de trois membres.
    한국야동

    ReplyDelete

Seeking out the best places to eat, drink and be merry in London and beyond - follow @MattTheList or sign up for email updates above

Contact Us