If you've ever searched for live music in London, chances are you've come across Blues Kitchen. This American-inspired bar and restaurant has got several outposts in the city, but it was their Shoreditch venue that was calling to me recently. I had visited this spot before, and enjoyed their American-style cooking and cocktails - but they've made some changes to the menu since then, so I was eager to return and see what was new.
The vibrant bar at Blues Kitchen promises premium spirits and creative cocktails.
DesignMyNight Reviews Blues Kitchen Shoreditch
We visited on a Wednesday evening, when their regular Ā£6 cocktails and neo-soul night was in full swing. The venue was packed, but we managed to secure a prime spot - a secluded leather booth table that offered a side view of the stage. The vibrant space features low lighting and ornate decor, including a striking central bar and neon signs on the windows.
There were a wide selection of premium liquors to be found at the bar, and their cocktail menu made good use of them. Many of these were tequila based, and we each ordered one from the margarita section to begin with. Mine was the mezcalita, an extremely smokey blend of mezcal, orange curacao, lime and agave. My partner opted for the much sweeter Tequila Colada, putting a unique twist on the classic concoction while still maintaining its creamy coconut flavour.
Choose from a range of healthy small plates at Blues Kitchen London.
The Blues Kitchen menu has had some changes made to it recently, which we were both eager to try. It still promises an authentic American dining experience, taking inspiration from the States, but you'll find a number of new healthy options in addition to the classics. We decided to try two of the vegetable-based options for starters, the first being a hot spinach and artichoke dip. This was genuinely one of the nicest dips I've ever tried: a smooth, bright green blend topped with a layer of melted cheese. It came with blackened tortilla chips that were dusted with seasonings, and was incredibly moreish. Our second, equally scrumptious choice actually came from the sides section - crispy, charred corn ribs dipped in a flavourful chipotle mayo.
There are plenty of hearty dishes on offer in the mains section, and it was difficult to narrow it down to one option. I decided on the vegan cheeseburger and fries, a meat-like patty topped with gooey plant-based cheese, crispy shallots and a mouthwatering burger sauce that added a distinctly delicious flavour to it. My dinner date was easily persuaded by the fried chicken and gravy, which was a plate full of crispy, boneless chicken pieces, served alongside a thick gravy, pickles and skinny fries that were seasoned to perfection (though there was an option with both meals to swap these for salad). We also shared a mac 'n' cheese on the side, and while this was definitely a case of over-ordering on our part, I don't regret trying the oozing, gooey dish.
From fried chicken to plant-based alternatives, there's something for everyone on the menu.
Around 9pm, the talented live band came on to the stage to perform their neo-soul and RnB songs, adding a welcome twist to the dining experience. While watching them, we ordered another round of drinks, venturing into some of their other spirits this time. I chose a blood orange and yuzu spritz, made up of Malfy Arancia gin, prosecco and vanilla liqueur, topped off with yuzu and lemon. My boyfriend went for the lychee martini, a refined drink that contained Tanqueray gin, lychee and lime.
With these, we shared a skillet choc chip cookie for dessert. This was a hot, soft cookie that was served fresh from the oven, filled with chunky milk chocolate chips and finished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream - the perfect end to our American-style meal.
Overall: Blues Kitchen Shoreditch
Both the food and drinks were exceptional here, and the live music added a fantastic entertainment element to the evening. The Blues Kitchen Shoreditch menu retains its American charm with some exciting new additions, and I'd particularly recommend the spinach and artichoke dip to start. You'll certainly leave feeling full, and as if you'd just popped over to the US for a night out.
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