If You Love Delicious Cocktails and People Watching in the Heart of the City, Chiave is the Cocktail Bar to Visit
If there’s one place to part ways with the working week, it’s at a cocktail bar. Unwinding over a tasty concoction (or three) and an array of nibbles in a chic, buzzy environment is simply unmatched. What’s more, as summer approaches and brings with it the good weather, the temptation to stay out past 5pm is stronger than ever, soaking up the last of the sun with a fruity, refreshing beverage in hand. Fuelled by the blissful combination of drinks and the thrill of the weekend; a night of intimate chats and hearty laughs are promised. As always, we have taken the liberty to do the investigative work required to source the setting for your next, vibrant evening. Introducing Chiave, an intimate cocktail bar in the heart of Shoreditch that embraces good sound, crafted cocktails and genuine connections- with a reasonable price tag, too.
Translating to “key” in Italian, Chiave was designed to symbolise a sense of belonging. It is the key to a place that feels like home, because every Londoner needs a local cocktail bar. Nestled into Redchurch street, Shoreditch’s swankiest lane-way, Chiave emits an enticing glow from the low lighting and candle-lit hue inside. As we stepped through the door we were met with a friendly smile and to our delight, directed to the exact seats we had our eye on: two high top stools by a large open window, letting in the fresh spring air and the buzz of city-slickers spilling out onto the streets outside. One could easily pass hours people-watching in this exact spot, sipping on crafted cocktails and taking notes of the latest fashion being sported in one of London’s trendiest boroughs.
A non-negotiable for a successful cocktail bar is an extensive snack menu, and Chiave’s selection of nibbles hit the spot to satisfy those post-work pangs of hunger. To start, we went for the Cucumber Bites, a generous platter of cucumber slices stacked with a dollop of hummus and topped with an olive. Refreshing, creamy, and meaty, the flavours blended together wonderfully with each bite. Next to try was the Chiave Sarma. This traditional Turkish snack consists of ground meat and rice wrapped in a vine leaf and bursting with flavour. Of course, we couldn’t say no to a bowl of olives and with vegetable crisps, popcorn, and nuts on the menu too, there’s a snack to satisfy every craving.
Of course, as wonderfully moreish as the snacks may have been, that’s not why we were here. When it came to ordering drinks, we were, admittedly, quite indecisive. The menu has a combination of twisted classics, signatures, and featured cocktails, each with an equally enticing description. As a result, we turned to the knowledge of our waiter to help us choose. On that particularly sunny Thursday, one of the first bright evenings post-daylight savings, something summery and refreshing was in order. We were recommended The Doomsday, also available as a non-alcoholic drink. Tanqueray no.10, cucumber, bergamot, parsley, and melon were shaken together to make a bright olive concoction, poured into a tumbler glass with a creamy, frothy head. It ticked all of the boxes. Zesty, but not bitter, satisfying the sweet tooth without being sickly, and a large cube of ice in the centre to keep it cool.
Needless to say, it met our criteria for the perfect summer evening beverage, and we were curious to see if the aptly-named Summer in The City would do the same. A mix of Hennessy VS, Chartreuse, quince, sage, and citrus was served in a highball glass with a tall cube of ice in the centre for that same, cool finish. With crisp, floral notes this too, was dangerously tempting to guzzle down in one go.
In the name of research, we resisted the temptation to order the same round again and instead returned with an entirely new set of criteria: girls night cocktails. Up first was the Limbo a cheeky take on a Tommy’s Margherita with equal parts of Dangerous Don Mezcal, Tico Blanco Tequila and chilli liqueur with a spicy sumac rim. Fiery, smoky, and undeniably aesthetically pleasing, this cocktail passed with flying colours. Finally, we finished with the Capybara. Tanquerey no.10, palo santo, and Muyu jasmine verte combine to create a pale pink drink served in a dainty Nick & Nora glass. Each sip was a medley of fresh, bright flavours which were delightfully easy to drink, the perfect choice for those who tend to be spice-sensitive.
Each carefully crafted cocktail on Chiave’s menu is designed to evoke a mood, emotion, or season. From post-work wind-downs to romantic rendezvous, not forgetting the glamorous girls night, Chiave is a setting that truly caters to all.
Secure your evening perch online at https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/chiave