0
Shares

Busaba Eathai launches its first cocktail bar at Old Street - we take a look

Busaba Eathai launches its first cocktail bar at Old Street - we take a lookAfter a rapid refurbishment, Thai chain Busaba Eathai reopened its Old Street branch last week with the addition of its first dedicated cocktail bar, tucked away at the back of its bustling open-plan dining area. With the new bar comes a selection of Thai-inspired takes on traditional Western cocktails, plus a range of bar snacks. Perched on a bar stool at one of Busaba’s communal tables, Hot Dinners was more than happy to get to grips with the new menu.

If you're after something intense to kick off proceedings, consider the tamarind negroni, packed with spicy flavours and poured over a large ball of ice. Or, if you prefer your drinks slightly lighter, the kaffir lime and lychee martini had a delicate, almost creamy taste, made with lime-infused vodka and lemon. For those who like their cocktails bright pink, long and sweet, try the Nam Thang Mo - blended watermelon with rum, guava and chilli.

To accompany the new drinks menu, there's a selection of nibbles and small plates - crispy rice cakes with coconut and peanut sauce (£3.50), or crispy chicken wings served with pandan leaves (£4.90), plus old favourites like veggie spring rolls (£3.90) and taro chips (£3.50).

Our favourite dish by far was the battered prawn and corn fritters (£3.90), which were moorish and greasy - just what a bar snack should be - served with a dollop of sweet chilli sauce. We also loved the Thai beef jerky (£6.50), a wonderfully savoury dish seasoned with ginger and chilli, served with fresh shallot and a generous squeeze of sriracha sauce. Even nicer when washed down with the Lao Kong, a blend of green-tea infused whisky with pineapple, honey and cinnamon.

Busaba Eathai, 319 Old Street, London EC1V ,  Mon-Thurs 12 noon to 11pm, Fri-Sat 12 noon to 12.30am, Sun 12 noon to 10pm

0
Shares
0
Shares