I normally head to the Shoreditch Grind on my way to work to pick up my morning cappuccino and croissant so I was intrigued to head down on my way back home, for cocktails and fun.
By night Shoreditch grind shake it up with their cocktail bar.
Venue and Ambience
By night, The Shoreditch Grind really does manage to transform itself from coffee shop to cocktail den; with the lights down low, neon signs lit up and candle light flickering. On a Friday night, straight after work the bar was busy with the loud chitter chatter of after-work drinks and colleagues bantering after a tough week’s work, there was also a smattering of couples enjoying drinks over the flickering candles. Later on, as the couples scuttle off, the music goes up a notch with anything from 90s hip-hop to 00s indie. The Grind is far from a party venue with people up dancing but I would put it into the lively laid-back cocktail bar vibe category. Although it was a freezing February night, I did also notice the outside decked terrace adjacent to the bar, which I am sure will be jam-packed with revellers as the sun begins to shine.
Couples enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Shoreditch Grind.
Drinks
Can a coffee shop transform itself into a veritable cocktail bar? Well yes is the answer. You will not get a 10 page cocktail list with everything from Mojitos to Caipirinhas, instead, a handcrafted and carefully put together selection of original cocktails. I tried a Rhubarb & Ginger Negroni and I told the barman I was a fan of bourbon so he made his own favourite for me; Gold Rush, which was simply Bourbon, lemon and honey served straight up and it was delicious! There is also a small selection of wines and craft beers (and my favourite cider from South Africa, Savanna Dry). Cocktails are a very reasonable £7, beers £4 and glasses of wine from £4. The staff are clearly knowledgeable and passionate about the craft of cocktail making and with a little tweak on customer service they will have something really good.
There is also a very small nibbles selection to help line the stomach, including, tortilla chips, pitta and hummus, olives and nuts etc.
Skillfully crafted cocktails by the well-braced barmen of Shoreditch Grind.
Summary
For a laid-back, unpretentious but lively cocktail/drinking den in Shoreditch, The Shoreditch Grind is definitely worth a visit. I’m delighted there are great cocktails without having to pay £10+ and craft beers in the fridge, too. The open plan layout adds to the convivial ambience and whether you are looking for cool after-work drinks or affordable but high quality cocktails then pay this bar a visit. I know it can be hired for a private party too and for me it would make a super cool private space for a party. So, is it possible to grind coffee by day and shake cocktails by night? Absolutely.
