The ‘shorty’ has come to London!
Upstairs at The Ten Bells is bringing the ‘shorty’, a trend from our neighbours across the pond, to the iconic Shoreditch pub, first opened in 1666.
The vintage, lounge-esque bar includes beautiful glassware, Gilbert & George art and a coveted Tracey Emin neon bar sign. The new venture is brought to you by co-founder Bardley Lomas and Head Bartender, Jerome Slesinski and the menu is updated weekly, so no excuse not to make lots of return trips!
We started with two of the shortys from the ‘Strong’ menu. Believe me, when they say strong they mean strong – they may be short but they certainly pack a punch! The scotch, apricot liqueur, cinnamon, black cardamon and jaggery comes with a side of beer (the sort of side I can get on board with!) I really enjoyed the drink but it’s definitely one for scotch fans only, the other flavours complement but certainly don’t mask the scotch like in other cocktails I’ve tasted in the past. The rum, fresh pandan, ginger, palm sugar and mandarin bitters had an almost biscuit-y after taste.
We then moved onto the ‘Fresh’ menu, something I think we should have started with! The red date shrub, Pommeux de Normandie, vodka, prosecco and berries was really lovely, very light and refreshing, garnished with two succulent blackberries. The bee pollen gin, blossom honey, Cocchi Americano, lemon and soda had a hint of sweetness from the honey but the lemon meant it still had a lovely zingy, freshness.
There are also nibbles and small plates on offer to help soak up all those shorties you’ll be ordering! The bresaloa was especially delicious, topped with caponata and red vein sorrel, and the almonds were very moreish, even tempting my nut averse friend!
Upstairs at The Ten Bells is a great venue for a special after work drink, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. My advice – save the ‘Strong’ menu for the end of the evening!
