What do you get when an international bar school, hotel and brand consultancy decides to enter the consumer market? Shaker & Company bar of course. The new venue on Hampstead Road promises a 10 year celebration of cocktails from Adam Freeth who has trained some of the world’s top bartenders including Eric Lorincz of The Savoy.
A retro New Orleans vibe is the name of the game. Relax in beaten-in leather sofas and rest your drinks on tables made from 40 gallon Scotch whisky barrels. Lighting comes courtesy of a collection of huge brass lanterns and fittings made from reclaimed crystal, glass decanters and demi-johns. A length of giant driftwood is suspended from the ceiling and the backbar and flooring have been sandblasted to give an authentic saloon feel. 1950’s school desks (with some surprising contents) will take you right back to the classroom.
The cocktail list has been created by general manager Scott Walker and his team. A concise list of 12 exciting drinks takes its cue from the mid 19th and early 20th century and features modern interpretations inspired by Professor Jerry Thomas, Harry Johnson, Ade Coleman, Victor Bergeron and Shaker’s modern day hero Charles Shumann.
But if you’re looking for a little extra tuition, head downstairs to the Tasting Room which promises to deliver supreme drinksmanship from guest brands and artisan rarities plus a regular roster of entertainment from bands including The Walk and The Deptford Rivieras and solo artists such as Huw Price, open mic comedy nights and quiz nights from the infamous Popbitch team.
But no New Orleans bar would be complete without some deep southern soul flavours and we’re talking Hush Puppies (cheese, sweetcorn and ale fritters with chilli dip), Crab balls with mardi gras salsa, Cajun chicken wings with bourbon dip, Chilli & lime prawns, Crayfish popcorn and Soul brownies – not quite sure what these are but we certainly look forward to finding out...
Shaker & Company
119 Hampstead Road, NW1, 020 7387 5474
