The Betsy Smith

Finally some Shoreditch style has arrived in Kilburn, an area with oodles of young people but a dearth of decent local bars. The quirky Betsy Smith dispenses top-notch cocktails until 3am at weekends. Its look studiously avoids convention – think Narnia, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory & Alice in Wonderland rolled into one – with various nooks & crannies furnished in red velvet drapes, pictures of suited badgers, birdcage lampshades & even scratch & sniff wallpaper in the VIP area. The party atmosphere is fuelled by jazzy £7 cocktails, such as Willy’s Wonka (bourbon, blueberries & loganberry jam) served in a jam jar. Alternatively, order a teapot of bloody Mary for the table. Food of the pizza, burger & pasta ilk is surprisingly good given that liquid refreshment is Betsy’s raison d’être.