According to the man behind London’s newest drinking den - Shaker & Company – the humble cocktail originated in New Orleans’ French Quarter (where, apparently, an apothecary named Peychaud served his innovative drinks in egg-cups or - as the French would say - “cocquetiers”).

Because of this fact you’ll be forgiven, on entering the bar, for assuming that its design has been inspired by 19th Century New Orleans – especially given the dark wood, the bourbon street fans, the gas lights, the old books behind the bar, the rickety piano in the corner and the soul food menu featuring burger sliders, soul-fried chicken bites and jambalaya.

The actual truth, however, is that the bar was designed and built around a Stag called Gerard, whose head has been on the wall of Shaker & Co’s offices for several years but who now – finally - has his own home directly above the bar’s piano.

Gerard aside, there’s another reason to visit Shaker & Company: the drinks.  

Having spent the last 10 years successfully running Bar Schools across the world and providing consultancy to new bars like The (award-winning) Nightjar in Shoreditch, this – Shaker & Company’s first bar of their own – serves up cocktails like the “Breakfast With Obama”, “Potato Sack Sour” and the “S&Co” (which comes served in a mini cocktail shaker that you can take home).

Shaker & Company’s a five minute walk from both Warren St and Euston tubes – right next to one of the best Mexican restaurants in London: Mestizo.

Worth noting that you’ll be unlikely to struggle with getting a late night cab home too, with several thousand cars awaiting your command at Addison Lee’s HQ just around the corner…

Shaker & Company: Open Now.

Note: Visit the downstairs bar for an immersive drinking experience.  With plans to redesign the bar each month, it currently plays host to a Benedictine Monastery.