Kicking Around Shaker & Company's Euro 2012 Offering

As I mentioned on the blog last week, I’ve had the opportunity to visit Shaker & Company’s cocktail bar at 119 Hampstead Road to sample their offering for the Euro 2012 competition.

They’ve converted their downstairs bar into a mini football pitch complete with astroturf, and it’s also decked out with colourful flags from every country participating in Euro 2012 this year. All the action takes place on a big screen at one end of the room, and if there isn’t a game to watch then you can play FIFA on the Wii or have a go at a game of table football. Shaker & Company have slightly relaxed their cocktail rule, so even if you’re not a fan of their fantastic cocktails then they’ll sell you a ‘bucket of beer’ to help slake your thirst for £16. The downstairs area also has a fridge (by SMEG of course) so that you don’t have to head upstairs and miss the action if you need another cold bottle. If you are running a corporate event or can manage to get a large group of friends together for a particular match you can make an exclusive booking for the private use of the Euro 2012 room from £25 a head (including food and drink) – just use this email address to make your reservation.

Given Shaker & Company’s main preoccupation I should make mention of their current roster of cocktails, which change regularly. At the moment you can try concoctions such as the Rhubarb Tuesday (Tanqueray, rhubarb, vanilla and fresh lemon juice), the Lowlander (Auchentoshan 12-year-old single malt, bergamot liqueur, punt e mes, lillet rouge and fresh citrus) or a Passion Leaves A Punch (Four Roses bourbon with passion fruit, fresh basil, apple & lemon juice). I’ve tried them all and, believe me, they’re amazing – the Lowlander in particular which is warm and spicy, helped along by a colourful topping of fresh berries.