SquareMeal Review of The Shelter

Occupying its own self-contained space, deep in the gurgling bowels of sprawling Louisiana-style BBQ/crab shack Big Easy, this wee Route 66-style cocktail hideaway has big ambitions. The snappy line-up changes weekly, mixes such as blinker (a Rittenhouse rye and pink grapefruit sour) are in the same league as the big boys, and current trends are wholeheartedly embraced: cue picklebacks, an absinthe fountain, an impressive range of mezcal and rye, disco drinks such as piña colada and sazerac slushies (an acquired taste).

Meanwhile, cocktails on tap include a plausible vieux carré presented in a carafe within its own glass ice bucket. A condition of the venue’s licence is that snacks such as voodoo wings, juicy fried shrimps, crawfish popcorn or Caesar salad have to be ordered with drinks.

Overall, we reckon that rollickin’ good times may come cheaper elsewhere.

Good to know

Cuisines
Bars

Location

Big Easy 12 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7NA

020 3728 4888 020 3728 4888

Website

Opening Times

Bar
Mon 17:00-01:00
Tue 17:00-01:00
Wed 17:00-01:00
Thu 17:00-01:00
Fri 12:00-03:00
Sat 12:00-03:00
Sun 12:00-01:00

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020 3728 4888 020 3728 4888

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