Consistently featured in style and fashion magazines as one of the coolest bars in the UK, and often aped and imitated since its launch a couple of years ago, Callooh Callay is a refreshing antidote to the lifeless pub or overpriced trendy bar, serving up a little magic and nostalgia with its cocktails.

The Venue
It might not look like much from outside, but Callooh Callay is one of the quirkiest bars in Shoreditch, and that’s saying something. Inside, it’s small but perfectly formed, with mismatched furniture, cosy corners and bright patterns to make you dizzy. Inspired by Lewis Caroll’s Jaberwocky, stepping into Callooh Callay feels like turning up to the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Even if you’re happy to sip cocktails in the front bar, with its laid back party atmosphere, your inner child would never forgive you for failing to take a peek through the wardrobe. Behind the door is a larger, chill out area full of temptingly comfy and kooky armchairs and lots more fairytale memorabilia. This is a great space to reserve for large groups; you can happily hijack the whole room and truly feel like you’re in a world of your own. But if you’re looking for the Friday night buzz, the main bar area is more lively. Behind the wardrobe you’ll also find the toilets, with walls covered in cassette tapes. Callooh Callay doesn’t cut any corners. Upstairs is the Jubjub bar – a hidden members-only space which demands a special key to enter.

The Atmosphere
You can imagine the general clientele – cool East London types and twentysomethings wanting to evoke their childhoods. On a week night the vibe is relaxed and you’ll almost certainly get a seat, plus the friendly staff have plenty of time to chat to you. The bartenders really do aim to please – tell them what things you like or don’t like and they’ll know just what drink to make you. Areas get booked up far in advance though, so if you’re here on a Saturday you might not get the seats you’d like.

The Food
Even the menu is a little out of the ordinary. Rather than typical bar food, or even the tea party fodder you might expect, Callooh Callay serves sushi (from £3.50), tempura (£5) and Japanese rice crackers (£3). For a light snack, the sweet potato wedges (£3) are delicious.

The Drink
Callooh Callay is famed for having some darn good cocktail makers. There’s a big selection available and there’s something to suit everybody – all with the kind of surreal names you’d expect, like Lookie Loo, Swinging Priest and Lion’s Tail. Get into the retro spirit and try a Grumpy Dumps Pouty Power Sour (£8.50) – a colourful cocktail of gin and lemon sherbet.

The Last Word
You’ll never get bored at Callooh Callay as you notice something different each time. Whether it’s the teapots, gramophones or quirky drinks, every visit gets curiouser and curiouser.

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