Thanks to some savvy cocktail-loving friends, I recently found myself at Calloh Callay in Shoreditch. As you enter Calloh Callay, it’s not all that different from your average lively lounge bar. However, things get more interesting – and cozy – upon sneaking through a hidden door disguised as a wardrobe.
Originally purchased by the owners as a, “boarded up Chinese restaurant,” the space has been transformed into a chic lounge – with cocktails to match. Frequently named one of the top bars in London (and in the world), I was so excited to sip my way through them.
I started with one appropriately called, “Away From Home,” with Tanqueray Gin, Aperol, St. Germain, Luxardo Maraschino Liquer, Sugar and Orange Bitters. Just splendid. So much so, that I forgot to take a photo of it. #BloggerFail
Don’t fret – I’m about to make up to it. As a result of my charming drinking companions, we were invited to enjoy our second round upstairs at The Jubjub, an intimate bar that has a secret code to get in. Yeeeeeap. I opted for a drink named after a London landmark, the Primrose Hill. Check out the interesting ingredients!
Suffice to say, it looked – and tasted amazing.
And my friends? Well, they seemed pretty pleased too.
Callooh Callay is located at 65 Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3AY. A word to the wise, the popularity of this bar means that bookings are recommended. For more information, visit their website.