If you happen to wander down Redchurch Street in search of a drinking den that's effortlessly cool and oh-so-Shoreditch, you'll want to pop into Chiave – the little, sexy cocktail and listening bar that's fast becoming one of East London's hottest hangouts.
You'll find them at number 36, where the bar is small, lined with various bottles of spirits and liquor, with just enough candlelight and seating to set the scene for enjoying perfectly mixed cocktails. Downstairs, a hidden basement opens up into a dancefloor with a low ceiling, where the lights dim and Shoreditch's cool crowd come to listen to top tunes.
The drinks are where things get really interesting, especially now, with the launch of Chiave's new mini cocktail menu – a playful tribute to the new trend that's taken over the city (and Instagram). These tiny, beautifully mixed renditions of full-sized classics are designed for people who want to sip everything without committing to just one drink. Think a miniature Bloody Mary made with Belvedere Vodka and a secret spice mix, or a punchy mini spicy marg made with Don Julio Blanco, lemon and Tabasco. There's a Masticha Sour with Skinos and citrus, and their Alla Turca Jazz, a take on the espresso martini made with Turkish coffee and dark rum.
Three minis will set you back just £9, or you can try the full line-up of six for £15. It's rare to find cocktails this good at this kind of price, and rarer still to find them served in such a vibey setting on one of the coolest roads in London.