So, food is our first love but we bloody love cocktails! With this in mind we head to new cool kids on the block, Coal Vaults – where the lovely Simo & Felix have created something very special.
The venue has a great atmosphere, the staff look like they’re having fun and the industrial space feels like a little bit of east London brought central. So far so good.
Perched on tall stools we tuck into the “tapas-style” sharing plates that are actually quite generous portions. We’d recommend 5 dishes between two hungry people.
The stand out dish was the ‘Pulled’ rabbit. The combo of smoked beans, sweetcorn & pineapple was a fresh new flavour – all served on a delicious flatbread. We were told some guy had come back 3 days in a row to eat this. Weird but we understand why!
The ‘5 hour’ shoulder of lamb really popped when you got a caper, chuck in a few more next time guys J. Clams cooked in garlic & white wine were delicious little morsels, the bread it came with was a little on the dry side – perhaps steal a bit more of east London and get it from E5 bakehouse? Ha! But it soaked up the broth perfectly so we’re not complaining.
To compliment all of that meat we ordered an obligatory salad – the tomato & mozzarella offered a lovely variety of toms and was well seasoned. Don’t worry, we made room for dessert – the salted flourless chocolate cake with mint crème fraîche and toasted almonds was to DIE for – AND it’s gluten free so you can take your fussy friend. Also on offer was a selection of Neal’s Yard cheeses – we do love a cheese board.
But what about those cocktails you say? Yes, so just to set the scene, the naughty boys tried Absolute Vodka, thought “it tasted sh*t” so made their own spirits. Yep, I told you it was special.
Our favourite was Rodeo Drive – Bourbon, Toasted Macadamia Liqueur, Manzanilla, Lemon, and Egg White with a cherry on top. A real smooth operator.
The Marano – Mirto Rosso, Dry Gin, Crushed Blueberries & Prosecco comes in 2 separate glasses – sip the berry one and chase it with the Prosecco. We asked the question so you don’t have to.
Or perhaps you prefer your cocktail served with a side of Serrano Ham? In that case the Catalan Martini – Roasted Fennel Seed Vodka, Cantaloupe Melon, and Lemon is the one for you.
Don’t leave before checking out the loos – the golden boys have kindly paved the floor with pennies.
