After a recent visit to Shoreditch’s Apothecary East it’s safe to say we’re converted; this Tokyo-style izakaya by way of E1 is a new favourite. With a banging cocktail list accompanied by some really white excellent Japanese small plates, do yourself a favour and book the booth backing on to the open robata kitchen for the best seat in the house.
Visiting on a Friday night the place was abuzz, thanks to the expertly curated playlist and live DJs. The food is superb, with bites like crispy soft-shell crab, chicken karaage, yellowtail tiradito and gyoza served up alongside fantastic fresh sushi and specials like wagyu beef tartare sushi rolls.
Its master mixologists on the other hand have come up with an inventive cocktail list that befits its location, including a really rather excellent Spicy Margarita and the delicious Better, not bitter, with Maker’s Mark bourbon, Averna amaro, nectarine liqueur and egg white.
The food and drink alone are worth a visit, but throw in the DJ - live every Friday and Saturday night - and this place really does have the atmosphere of the Shoreditch of old. Ok yes I’m showing my age here, but 12 years ago the area was full of these utterly buzzing nightspots that sadly dwindled as the years went by, so this is one Londoner who’s more than happy to see something of that ilk returning to its rightful home.
