SOSHO

No, that’s not a cauldron of piña colada – the house cocktails at Sosho really are that big. Served in giant goblets, the fluid creations are a firm favourite with girls meeting mates on
Friday night for an update on the latest water cooler controversies. The colours of the drinks are matched by the spilt-coffee artworks on the walls and the rum punch-coloured light shades. Cocktails here are like the old Wrigley’s chewing gum advert – great to drink, even better to share.

The name, in case you missed it, is a fusion of SOuth SHOreditch. The moody lighting, soulful DJ soundtrack and smart layout (spread over several levels so it never feels crowded) are more East Village than typical East London. Rest assured, there are few Hoxton haircuts on show here; the crowd looks towards Clerkenwell rather than Brick Lane, though you might spot a few of the same punters in Hawksmoor or Loungelover.Officially, there’s a 24-hour license, which allows the bartenders to keep mixing till 3am Fridays, till 4am Saturdays and till 6am Sundays (not recommended if you have a work assessment Monday morning). The cocktail menu is a mix of classics, moderns and out-there creations from the inimitable Dale DeGroff, who also conceived the blends at partner-bar Match EC1. Beer drinkers quaff German Paulaner or British Proof Pilsen and Union amber lager.

Thursday to Sundays are club nights, with resident DJs and a rare groove/jazz house vibe. The action is spread over various rooms, but there are numerous small alcoves where you can hide away for an intimate chat.
Most of the seating areas can be reserved for informal gatherings – for serious parties, rent out the upholstered lounge downstairs.