Looking Glass Cocktail Club (Shoreditch)

• First on the list was Looking Glass
• We stepped through the Looking Glass with great intrigue and were delighted with what we found
• The Looking Glass is at first not all that it would appear
• The main bar area is a stripped back space
• The real charm to Looking Glass Cocktail Club (Shoreditch) is concealed by the giant 'looking glass' in the corner that conceals the entrance to the hedonistic world that lurks within
• Sadly we weren't here to join in with the debauchery as we had an appointment at the bar with the head mixologist
• Their menu is a unique mix of exotic ingredients that reflects the imaginative minds behind this charming little hideaway
• We were in store for a night of something slightly unique as we were invited to indulge our tastebuds in bespoke creations tailored to suit our favourite tipples
• My first selection was Dodd's Gin
• It was partnered with a mix of wine reduction
• Unlike the punchy Negroni that is far more suited to the palate of those who love a hard drink
• What I loved about Looking Glass was that they were always looking for an opening to add an element of elegance to the design or delivery of the cocktail
• Presentation was key to each drink and it was mesmerising to watch their construction and listen to the reasoning for the inclusion of certain ingredients
• The result was a delicious little number that incorporated Havana Especial Rum
• Caramel Syrup and topped with Orange Twist and Green &
• The final tipple of the evening for my companion was another demonstration of elegance and precision
• This time a healthy dose of Kaffir Lime infused Vodka was mixed with Grenadine
• The Looking Glass is certainly a hidden gem that I was previously unaware of before London Cocktail Week came to town and I went hunting for new jaunts to frequent
• The bespoke experience we enjoyed was an intriguing look at the decisions behind the sophisticated list of ingredients that line the Looking Glass cocktail menu
• The drinks are boozy but beautifully balanced and crafted with a fine touch from delivery through to decoration
• I plan to be returning very soon so I can step through the mirror once again for a far more raucous evening with the rest of the crowds
• Walking into The Looking Glass was a bit of a shock to the system
• We definitely got the feeling that The Looking Glass was full of spill over from Shoreditch High Street
• By the time we got there it was a little after 11 and so we were probably entering the rowdiest point of the night
• The bar staff were pretty rushed off their feet
• Trying to keep up with the crowd at the front
• Overheard one of them trying to determine what kind of cocktail one of their customers would like (starting with the basic sweet or sour
• I managed to get our bartender's attention to show him where we were and was met with a curt acknowledgement
• I sadly did not get to actually go through the Looking Glass for which the bar is named as there was a private engagement party happening in there
• The list of drinks is inventive and fun
• Milk served with mini oreos)
• This one was called the Shoreditch carrot and featured Jameson whiskey with sweet caramel syrup and it was actually pretty good
• Stephen had one which came with a huge banana leaf in it
• Top that off with my love for food
• The mystery was confounding and a tad bit frustrating especially because our hostess from Zomato
• O boy do I have a bone to pick with CityMapper sending me to an address across town (near Columbia Road)
• I arrived (thanks again to Kritika and Alexandra) at Looking Glass Cocktail Club half an hour late but was very much delighted to discover the club was literally through a looking glass
• The lights were dim and made photography of the food and drinks a bit difficult so please pardon the quality of photos
• There were a half dozen or so seating areas with tables where a combination of chairs and couches played court to the tables with dripping candles
• Kummel liqueur (flavoured with celery and peach cordial)
• While the food and drink were all complimentary thanks to Zomato's meet up
• The reviews are all my own
• Cosy and decorated with clusters of cushioned seating
• The secret room 'through the looking glass' is more ambient
• The bar is full to the brim with excellent quality alcohol and interesting herbs and condiments to flavour the drinks
• Whilst the bar tenders clearly know their stuff and are keen to whip up any concoction you throw at them
• A sweet yet earthy base of Kummel liquor topped with Nua Prosecco
• The place lacks the pretention that it probably would have if it were slightly more known about
• Charismatic experience with just the right amount of secrecy
• With every cocktail served with a glass of water (to cleanse the palate)
• The jabberwocky delivers a smoky finish with a surprisingly pleasant medicinal zing
• T be deceived as there is a much larger and livelier bar hidden behind an inconspicuous floor length looking glass
• S own magical parallel universe is where the fun happens
• This dimly lit secret room has a speak easy vibe to it and is filled with inviting candle light shining from empty bottles and welcoming mismatched seating and classic armchairs
• The extensive and impressive bar also serves Alice inspired drinks and it is these drinks that make the bar extra special
• S Bellini which was delicious with its peachy kick
• I would certainly recommend it for a night out that is out of the ordinary
• Is stirred lovingly with Punt e Mes (an orange flavoured red Italian aperitif with quinine) and peach and fennel cordial
• Then into a rocks glass and garnished with an orange peel
• Julia Brandy mixed with Rittenhouse rye whiskey
• Aromatic bitters and garnished with lemon oil and a cherry
• Drank brandy as it was the only thing that wouldn&rsquo
• Sweet flavours and a spicy kick is enhanced by Solera sherry wine
• Sinemetu bitters then stirred into a rocks glass with a large block of ice &
• 000 litres of its barrelled stock yearly by evaporation this is known as the "
• The cocktails were the best that I've had since many a fine drink in New York
• The service was also comparable
• Extra points for bartenders with a sense of humour who manage to make time for every customer
• Looking Glass Cocktail Club is underrated and in a prime location check it out
• Shoreditch has no shortage of cocktail bars to choose from but this one is well worth a visit
• The service very attentive and helpful and the bar staff were really knowledgeable about the history of cocktails
• The quality with of the cocktails were excellent and beautifully balanced
• I started with the 12yo Irish Whiskey based Angels Share which was rich and smooth with chocolate notes
• Was a rum/rye twist on a Manhattan with an addition of Crè
• Both cocktails were really well balanced
• The only minor point was that the garnishes listed on the menu had been forgotten but this really didn't matter when the cocktails were mixed this well
• A Royal Navy with Atlá
• This was also smooth and spicy with orange notes and was served with smoked nuts which worked really well in combination
• I visited the looking Glass along with my wife with high expectations due to the mainly positive reviews and was left distinctly underwhelmed
• The drinks are average and overpriced
• With a sneaky service charge of 12.5% included which is just pure unalloyed greed
• S toilet was blocked and the taps were not working
• Both of which are excellent alternatives for a memorable night out

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