Happiness Forgets

It’s been around for years now, but no one is forgetting about Happiness Forgets – not the industry professionals who regularly name it one of the best bars in the world, and not the patrons who do the exact same thing on a daily basis, just a bit less professionally perhaps.

Considering the bar juggernauts from all over the world it undoubtedly goes up against, that’s no small feat for what is essentially a compact basement dive in Hoxton. But under supervision from its owner Alastair Burgess, the place manages to be both fun and polished, with a warm, casual atmosphere in a dim speakeasy setting and a serious approach to the craft of mixology. There are no gimmicks here, unless you count the fact that the staff are willing to make you a drink based on whatever vague description and preferences you provide (and they hit the mark with it as well, make no mistake). That said, their take on classics such as the Old Fashioned or the Negroni might quickly become your favourite version of the drink.

The popularity and reputation of Happiness Forgets do mean that in combination with its size, space is limited and you might have trouble getting in in a reasonable time. After all, it’s a hotspot for people from all over the world, not just the neighbourhood. You’d do well to check out its sister venue Ever After upstairs, however, as it takes the same cocktail mastery and expands on it with creative dining.