26 Osborn Street,
Brick Lane,
London,
E1 6TD
(020) 7247 7717
The ViewLondon Review
With a location in one of the capital’s trendiest neighbourhoods, Apples and Pears has many of the things you typically associate with the area – cocktails, credible music and edgy contemporary design. Despite being the epitome of cool, this bar has a friendly, inviting face and has plenty to suggest that it can hold its own in the face of stiff local competition.
The Venue
Definitely ranking high in terms of its design, Apples and Pears mixes different contemporary styles over two floors. The overall space is small enough for a lot of detail to have been implemented, something which gives it a personality of its own. The basement is a late-night den with a brick-vaulted ceiling illuminated by purple lights, and the atmosphere is very much one of a cool club. As the venue is run by the same people as the forward-thinking Bar 54, you can be sure the music policy will be credible from the first beat.
If you sit on the square stools around the low shiny tables long enough, you will start noticing the added touches which truly define the space: street lamps hanging from the wall, and hands sculpted in plaster are just a couple of the quirky features.
The long ground floor is kitted out in a fresh combination of vivid green, wood and black. It is almost impossible to find two identical pieces of furniture and yet the funky mix-and-match works very well despite the biting modernity of some elements and the familiar shape of others.
The design is the most defining aspect of the latest hangout in the Brick Lane area. It is visible even in the small and cosy walled garden at the back, where a listed old fire stairs (the inspiration for the venue’s use of Cockney rhyming slang for its name) acts as a reminder of the industrial past of the area.
The Atmosphere
Brick Lane has been taken over by a lairy party crowd for quite a long time now. However, along the Aldgate East end of the road, there is a lack of venues where local creatives can take refuge after a day in their studio units, or a gruelling day of alternative shopping at the market. If 93 Feet East caters to large crowds and popular events, and small cafes like Nude Espresso are ideal for a caffeine fix, Apples And Pears fills in the gap for cocktails and a more refined atmosphere. That said, do not expect the pretentious, over-the-top crowd populating Hoxton bars - here things are more relaxed and the venue seems to be currently frequented by those in the know. Expect this to change quickly as word spreads.
The Music
Apples And Pears is not up to full speed as a music venue - yet! - but there is a varied live music programme during the week and DJ sessions from Thursdays to Sundays. You can count on them making full use of the world-class DJs appearing at nearby Bar 54. Expect varied musical styles, credible underground sounds and no restrictions on genres. Even though electronic music is undoubtedly going to be at the forefront of weekend sessions, you will also find a vintage piano, authenticated by its Selfridges 1921 stamp, which not only adds character but also creates the impression you may well be listening to a soon-to-be-a-star in this speakeasy. Either that or it could be good for a good old woozy East End sing-along.
The Food
Pieminster rules the house. The bespoke pie creator supplies Apples And Pears with a daily-changing selection of their pies handmade in Bristol. They’re all served with delicious minty peas, flavoursome mash and gravy. Flavours may include minty lamb, Thai green curry, and wild mushroom and asparagus. The pies may look an odd match to your martini, but you should trust the old Cockney wisdom: booze and stodgy food are a great combination!
The Drink
Apples And Pears is one of those rare places where the knowledgeable bar staff are not too pre-occupied to show off their techniques to customers. The best advice: put yourself in their trustworthy hands and enjoy the delicious cocktails Apples And Pears offers.
For signature long drinks (£7.50), try The Old Truman (brandy, fruit liqueur, apples and pears, lemon), which stands out for its warming, wintry flavours. Within the signature martinis (£7.50) their specialty is the Columbia Martini (mango vodka, lavender, lemon): the fruity and flowery notes hit first, with a powerful vodka punch at the end.
Other house specialties are the Zombie (£10), which contains several types of rum and is served in a clay Tiki glass, and the Banglatini (Morgan’s spiced rum, watermelon, chili, lemon).
Not up for a cocktail? They also serve a decent selection of beers, including Asahi draught and bottles of Negra Modelo (£3.60-£3.80). A few bottles of wine are on offer and Champagne starts at £7 a glass and ranges from £37.50 to £250 for a bottle of the notorious Cristal.
The Last Word
Apples And Pears promises to cut itself a cool and friendly niche at the Whitechapel-end of Brick Lane. With great cocktails and music, as well as welcoming and knowledgeable staff, it has all the elements for a top night out.
Apples and Pears has been reviewed by 8 users