Stokey Bears - Original Sin - Pisco Embassy - Rosa's Thai Café

Today on the blog - Matt The Trek.  No, not a William Shatner skit, rather a mission to Stoke Newington : The Final Frontier.  Men (and women) have boldly gone there before, some even live there. 

And it's a right schlep from Battersea.

But when Burger Bear Tom and Alastair Burgess & co. from Happiness Forgets open up new spots, not only in the same postcode but in the same building in Stokey, I pipe down, pack an overnight bag and get out CityMapper.

Tuesday 9th December - You may have spotted Tom Reaney banging out burgers, beats and bacon jam as Burger Bear on the London street food scene, at Red Gallery, or at the Old Nun's Head in SE15 (Mon, Tue, Sat). 

Earlier this year, Tom ran a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund Burger Bear HQ, a diner made out of two shipping containers that I'm sure we'll hear more on soon.  But whilst we wait for that to appear, you are most likely to spot him at the adorably named Stokey Bears, a new collaboration with Bear Hug Brewing on Stoke Newington Road.

Before we get to the food - that menu design.  It's part Tiki Bar, part Family Guy, and I love it. Kids will love it too, though their parents might not when they spot the Ribman's Holy Fuck Sauce in the Angry Bear burger.  Beefdogs will soon be joining Hot Wings on the menu, but you've got to go for a burger, right?

Grizzly Bear is the obvious choice.  Alternatively, double up with a Greedy Bear, go veggie with the Koala Bear or take on the mysterious Triple Threat.   Fries and onion rings arrive in massive portions so order wisely, and possibly go for "Angry" or "Chilli" fries for a bit of variety.

I'll be a Grizzly Bear man every time.  A meaty cheeseburger with double oak smoked bacon and that bacon jam you've been hearing about.  Be sure to buy a jar to take home.  Or go all out and swing by Flock & Herd in Peckham for their 100% Sussex beef too. 

The look you get if you ask for a bite...

To drink, it's got to be some Bear Hug Brewing beer, especially as each one you knock back saves a bit of the rainforest.  I'm a fan of the Hibernation IPA myself, but the Bruno Lager is very drinkable and a strong companion for the burgers.  Feeling soft? There's a brilliant Square Root London soda dispenser (unlimited refills!) by the bar.  They look after you at Stokey Bears.

By the way... There's one more weekend left of Square Root's "WTF Why Not" collaboration with Tongue'N'Cheek at the Square Root Soda Works on Amhurst Road.  More details here.

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I feel like I've forgotten something? Oh yeah, that's it.  The boys from Happiness Forgets (you know, the 12th best bar in the world this year) have opened a neighbourhood cocktail bar called Original Sin below Stokey Bears, and they've only gone and put a pool table in it.  It's all coming together...

They are in a soft launch of sorts at the moment, so this is just a quick preview.  I'll report back properly in January once everything is in place.  I can tell you now though that it's a stunning joint, with inviting booths, attractive lighting, and a glorious bar that stretches as far as the eye can see.

One drink that is sure to survive the cut is Sea City, an outstanding Mezcal & Cachaca based fizz.  It's one of several £8 signature serves that sit alongside £7 Highballs (including a rousing Laphroaig & Kamm & Sons concoction) designed to tempt punters away from ordering a G&T every time.  Beers from the likes of Pressure Drop, Beavertown and Hammerton fill the fridges.  

And that's all you are getting for now.  The atmosphere & booze is great, what more do you need to know?

P.S. It's winner stays on at the pool table and we haven't lost yet. See you there.

N.B. Original Sin will be closed from 22nd December to 2nd January. 

Thanks to Helena for stealing my camera and taking some great shots whilst Ella & I defeated various London bartenders.  You can see the full set of photos on Matt The List : Facebook.

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That Stokey evening actually started in Islington - breaking up the journey and all that.  We dropped in to Comedor Grill & Bar on Upper Street for some pre-burger cocktails at Pisco Embassy, a new late night pop-up pisco bar that takes over the restaurant every Friday and Saturday from 12am-5am. It doesn't have to be Slim Jim's Liquor Store every time now.

Pisco, if you didn't know, is a grape brandy made in Chile & Peru, though it can be wildly different depending on where you get it.  The Peruvians are purists whilst the Chileans like to mature and sometimes dilute their pisco before bottling.

Pisco Sour is the most well known use of it over here, and Pisco Embassy's version is heavy on the lime, with equal parts of Pisco & Lime Juice when many would keep it at less than a 2:1 ratio even. This theme continues down the menu, with most drinks too sweet for my tastes, or not strong enough, but they may well appeal to the 12am-5am Islington crowd.  I'm sure you could get Jose to whip you up something specific if need be too.

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A week earlier, I was a few doors down from Pisco Embassy...

Tuesday 2nd December - Whilst most foodies (me included) are raving about the arrival of Thai hotspots Som Saa and Smoking Goat, Rosa's Thai Café are quietly taking over London having just opened their sixth site in Angel.

Spitalfields is where it all began in 2008 for the lovely Saiphin and her family. Two Soho sites, Westfield & Chelsea followed before they arrived in Islington last week.

Rosa's Thai Café in Angel

The menu is extensive but easy to navigate. It's worth noting that there are fewer dishes available at lunch. Be sure to grab some starters and salads. Fish Cakes with Crushed Peanuts & Sweet Chilli Sauce (Thod Mun Pla) hit the spot, and moreish Spicy Pork Patties (Lab Tod) come attached to colourful rice cakes. A zingy Pork Neck Salad was attractively wrapped in lettuce leaves.

Fish Cakes with Crushed Peanuts & Sweet Chillia Sauce - Thod Mun Pla

Spicy Pork Patties - Lab Tod

You can't go wrong with the generous portions of Pad Thai or Rosa's Fried Rice, but you can also push the boat out a little with the likes of Soft Shell Crab, Black Pepper Highland Venison, Pumpkin Red Curry and Broccoli in Oyster Sauce. I've heard rumours that the Pineapple Fried Rice is served in a large, hand-carved pineapple vessel.

Rosa's Fried Rice

Pork Neck Salad

I wouldn't be surprised to see 10 or more of them this time next year. A book is already on the way, set for a February release. Time to jump on board Rosa's train. You'll leave satisfied with plenty of money in hand for a return trip. 

Wine and cocktails at Rosa's Thai Café in Angel

Islington Brewhouse & Kitchen - Wild Game Co. - Talented Mr Fox - Experimental Cocktail Club

Tuesday 21st October - London may well have 70+ breweries operating at the moment, but there is only a handful of good brewpubs.  

To that short list, we can now add Brewhouse & Kitchen, who have just set up shop in Islington following success with their pubs in Portsmouth and Dorchester.  Another branch will also open soon a couple of miles away in Highbury.

My immediate impression was that it looked like a pretty standard pub, but there are some lovely design touches on closer inspection, including cheeky beer quotes, hidden hop drawers and arty beer bottles.  Then of course there's the fully operational brewing equipment rescued from the sadly extinct Lamb & Botanist brewpubs, not hidden behind glass but sitting proudly in the pub right next to the punters. Look out for friendly Head Brewer Pete Hughes patrolling the area.

I tasted 6 of Pete's launch beers on my visit, but here is the full list including some seasonal Autumn & Winter specials 

Arc Angel – ordinary bitter, 3.6% (traditional, caramel, bitter) 

Spandau B – session IPA, 4% (light, bitter, hoppy) 

Myddleton – blonde ale, 4.5% (simple, balanced, refreshing) 

Britton – American brown ale, 5% (dark, complex, hoppy) 

Watchmaker – strong bitter, 5.5% (traditional, balanced, bitter) 

Chaplin – IPA, 6% (intense, bitter, hoppy) 

Autumn & Winter specials: 

Suffragette Ninja – milk stout, 4% (rich, sweet, roast)

Triple A – rye ale, 5% (dry, spicy, floral) 

Vlad – winter warmer, 5.5% (fruity, spicy, malty) 

Raleigh – smoked porter, 5.5% (smoked, roast, chocolate)

The darker beers were particularly successful, and I also went back for a second go at the 6% Chaplin IPA.  There's plenty here to keep beer lovers happy, especially as there are many more draught and bottled options in reserve.  If you really fall for a particular beer, you can take home a 5 litre mini keg of the stuff too.

5 Litre Mini Kegs

I worked my way through some canapés (e.g. lamb koftas, pork belly in cider, mini fish & chips with mushy peas) but a return visit for the eye-catching beer-can chicken might be in order.  Food & beer pairing is strongly encouraged with third pint glasses available and a host of tempting mains from £10 on the menu.

Beer Can Chicken

If you really want to get your hands dirty, sign up for a £99 Brewing Experience Day which gets you 5 hours of learning, brewing, beer banter, a hearty lunch and 5 litre minikeg to take home.  

Also coming soon on Tuesday 25 November will be the first in a series of beer & food matching events at Brewhouse & Kitchen Islington.  This one will be with Don Parkin and Phil Harding who will bring their Honkytonk beer trolley for an expert fun guide through of seven courses of beer & food matches.  Tickets will cost just £25 - Book via phone 0207 837 9421 or email islington@brewhouseandkitchen.com

Islington Brewhouse & Kitchen is a welcome addition to an area that isn't short on top boozers.  Why not make a day of it with the likes of Three Johns, Craft Beer Co, Charles Lamb, Earl of Essex and North Pole round the corner.

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Wednesday 22nd October - Fitzrovia is about to be overrun by lobster restaurants, but street food veterans Wild Game Co. have arrived first on Charlotte Street to keep those crustaceans at bay. There's no need to look it up on Google Maps, just keep walking until you see a giant stag...

All the meat at Wild Game Co. comes from owner Andy Waugh's family business in the Highlands, Ardgay Game.  On the launch menu there are burgers (from £6), salads, bargain steak frites (only £12.50), and heart-warming stovies (£3.50).  Expect the likes of partridge, pigeon and rabbit to make an appearance on a specials board soon too.

We went straight for The Veni-moo (£8.50), a venison burger & a Highland beef burger, with double cheese and beef bacon, and home-made bearnaise sauce, with some beef dripping fries (£2.50) on the side.  It was a joy to eat, and a cut above anything I had at posh burger joint Bobo Social down the road.

"Steak & Chips!" from the new @WildGameCo 65 Charlotte St Fitzrovia (site formally Double J's) http://t.co/Vbs4gNEuZ5 pic.twitter.com/gil2jSXibA
— Wilkes McDermid (@wilkes888) October 21, 2014

The building sadly doesn't allow for an alcohol license, so there's more Irn Bru than Innis & Gunn, but home-made root beer and more will soon make an appearance.  

Wild Game Co. is bound to be very popular as there isn't too much else in this area like it. Pleasantly low prices and speedy service (not to mention delicious food) will appeal to students and the lunch crowd in particular.  Andy, still in street food mode, was chatting away to all the customers, and I can imagine you would feel like a regular here in no time.  A very promising start - I'll check back again soon. 

Keep an eye out for Wild Game Co.'s special events around town such as their 8-course game extravaganza, Struie Road, at Workshop Coffee.  

It's also worth perusing their excellent website - www.wildgameco.co.uk - which has all sorts of enticing recipes and more information on their meat.

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I'm delighted to announce that the Talented Mr Fox pop-up is back in residence at One Leicester Street.  The permanent Peg + Patriot in Bethnal Green helped to fill the temporary void, but it's great to have Matt Whiley, Ally Martin & co. back in business in Central London.

Natalie and I popped in after dinner at Wild Game Co.. I'll keep it brief as you can read my original write-up here.  Unsurprisingly there's a cracking new cocktail menu, plus a subtle TMF paintjob to boot.

Male & Female toilets or Mr.Fox?

Highlights include:

Princess Consuela (Banana, Cognac, Bitters, Absinthe Rinse) - £11

Green House (Chlorophyll Dogs Nose Gin, Kummel, Lemon, Tomato Vine) - £11

Young Cuban (Bacardi, Tio Pepe, Orgeat, Lemon, Dill) - £9

Kummel On My Face (Tequila, Apricot, Lime, Black Salt, Fig Leaf Soda) - £10

French Flip (Croissant Cognac, Egg Yolk, Port) - £10

We also had a sneak peek at an off menu Tunnocks Tea Cake Martini which could become a permanent fixture if it proves to be popular.

Princess Consuela

French Flip from above

French Flip and Tunnocks Tea Cake Martini

Kummel On My Face

Young Cuban

It's hard to order a bad drink at Talented Mr Fox, there is almost always space without reserving ahead, and you get a show when you sit at the bar.  For those reasons and more, TMF comfortably sits on my list of Best Cocktail Bars in London.  Get over there before it disappears again!

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Another contender for that list is Experimental Cocktail Club, just round the corner on Gerrard Street. I'm a huge fan of the original outpost in Paris, but talk of it being difficult to get in has led me to take my business elsewhere thus far.

But it was early-ish on a Wednesday evening, and Natalie was keen to get another point on the leaderboard, so we tidied up our hair, tucked in our shirts, and tied our shoelaces before greeting the bouncer outside ECC Chinatown.  

"How many?"

"Two."

"OK"

Well, that wasn't very hard.  Up the stairs we went...

I feel a fool for not dropping in before.  ECC Chinatown is a stunning candlelit cocktail bar spread over two floors, with a DJ spinning funky takes on 20s swing.  For a Wednesday night, the atmosphere was phenomenal - tables were packed and the bar was buzzing.  We loved the layout that allows you to peer down to tables below through the middle of the stairs, as well as the mirrors above the bar on the first floor.  

All of this fun comes at a cost of course, with drinks around the £12 mark.  There's also a cover charge of £5 after 11pm, but there won't be many better bars that stay open til 3am in London.  If you really want to splash the cash, order one of their Vintage Cocktails that start at £120.

Birds eye view from second floor

Bartenders were working double time trying to keep up with all the orders, and our drinks were worth the wait:

Popeye's Better Half - Plantation Original Dark Rum, spinach syrup, lemon juice, virgin olive oil, egg white and soda - £12.50

La Medicación - Ocho Blanco tequila, Ramazzotti, St Elizabeth Allspice Dram, agave nectar, ginger syrup, lime syrup & Del Maguey Vida Mezcal Mist - £12

And there's plenty more where that came from, if you can afford it.

We were really impressed with our first visit to ECC, and with Talented Mr Fox and Opium a stone's throw away, Chinatown is bizarrely a real destination for cocktail lovers.  It will take all of your willpower not to stop off somewhere for Chinese food afterwards...