SquareMeal Review
Silver Award
Richard Wynne, owner of seminal Shoreditch fixture Callooh Callay, has his sights set on providing Islington with a cool neighbourhood bar – resulting in this second Lewis Carroll-themed venture. So, will Little Bat ‘twinkle twinkle’ amid the strong competition? The signs are good. Both the decor (a red-wine tone wonderland) and the competently executed drinks should get plenty of locals through the doors. From a range of updated retro rinses that’s big on Sours, Swizzles, Smashes, Martinis and Collinses, try the Pan Am Cocktail (an award-winning Sour containing Bacardi Carta Blanca rum, Aperol and orgéat, courtesy of high-flying head barman Barney Toy); or Sherry Finish (Bulleit bourbon, PX sherry, lime, pimento dram and plum bitters, served in a Japanese stone cup). Decorative tweaks are still needed, and the kitchen is not yet up and running, but when the polishing is done, Little Bat should be on to a decent innings.