I love a cocktail bar that lets the bartender get expressive. It’s probably one of the reasons I adore Dusk til Pawn – no idea is too weird, at least until it’s been experimented with, my personal favourite of these being Marmite Gin. Yes it is a thing, yes it does work, yes it’s bloody tasty. I often refer to them as mavericks, because to me they are. They do the quirky stuff, the experimentation, the real fun stuff.
So an expansion into King Street for the guys behind DtP and NoHo, for me can only be a good thing. More great drinks, more fun stuff, in a new location.
But less of the speakeasy.
Like big sister Dusk til Pawn, Wood & Company was advertised at a speakeasy, and until very recently it was. However a replacement window and a brightly lit sign have kind of put paid to that.
Oh well, it does mean I can tell you lot about it with a clear conscience.
Next to the brightly lit sign is a little door – down those stairs you’ll find a little drinking den with leather seats, lots of metal, wood, brick and tiles.
It’s a little more plush than it’s older siblings, a little more, dare I say it, upmarket – just as the King Street location would deserve. I’d say it has more class, but that would be doing Dusk til Pawn and NoHo a disservice. For me, DtP has oodles of class, it’s just a little dirtier. In a good way.
Drinks wise, there’s beer and wines. But that’s not why you come to somewhere like this. You come for the cocktails. Sweet tooth? Try the Golden Thicket – gin, strawberry and balsamic. Sweet, rich, with a good hit of acidity.
Another favourite discovered is the daintily pink Rose by Any Other Name. Sweet and soft this combination of vodka, white vermouth and rosewater it perfect if you like gently sweet floral flavours.
For me, gin is almost always the way to go, and Back to my roots offers an earthy, fluffy drink with mulberry gin and soft cardamon.
And if you like something a little heavier, I can heartily recommend the Spiced Negroni – perfect as a little after dinner nightcap, or in place of a dessert.
But if you fancy something a little special, try the Lady Grey. At the time of my visit this pretty wasn’t even on the menu – but features gin, and a Lady Grey tea infusion. Think gin, citrus, bergamot and a little hint of black tea. So far definitely my favourite.
But I’ve another couple of pages of that menu to go yet.
I might just have to go back again. And again.
