Clerkenwell & Social (Bar)

Top 10 things you need to know about Clerkenwell & Social bar:

1) Why go to Clerkenwell? Besides engagement rings, jewellery heists, fruit markets and City workers, this small London neighbourhood – squeezed between Bloomsbury and the City of London – has an established, yet modest food scene.

2) There’s Smithfield’s Market, lunchtime food stalls on Leather Lane, pop-ups in pubs and new cocktail bars and new restaurants that are determined to offer an alcoholic sanctuary to burnt-out, checked-shirt, creative professional. The Clerkenwell & Social is one such place.

3) Tucked to one side of The Museum of the Order of St. John, opposite The Modern Pantry, C&S is how you’d imagine Cheers would look if it was set in London and given a quirky, trendy and professional hipster makeover.

4) Books on spikes hang down from ceiling and the low-lit main lighting is a red neon sign stating: “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” Wise words.

5) Girls under 5ft 2”: do not attempt to take a seat at the high tables by the window, especially if you’re wearing a dress with a hemline that only just covers your nether regions. You will struggle to get up. You will flash everyone. And there’s no elegant way to climb back down again.

6) Now, let’s make one thing clear: C&S is no ordinary bar. It isn’t even a standard cocktail bar. C&S doesn’t just serve cocktails. They serve infusion cocktails. This will all become clear when I get to the treasure shots.

7) Cocktail names are influenced by literature and the screen. Much Ado About Rum would do Shakespeare proud, and we’re sure Walter White and Jesse Pinkman would give up on their latest ‘cook’ to sample the Breaking Good concoction.

8) Food is pizza. Pretty good pizza, too. Vegetarian Londoners can rejoice at the meat-free options. The Portobello is a delight, managing to tease the taste buds with its sweet, creamy and earthy flavours.

9) So let’s talk about this treasure of shots. Eight shot glasses lined up in two rows in a casket that looks like it was carved out of the same wood as Davy Jones’ locker.

10) Among the shot selection, chosen by the manager (although you can choose your own): Nutella brandy; pear and chilli liquor; caramel tequila; and Marmite liquor. Expect to leave C&S drunkenly satisfied....read more