spotted, and tried: jetlag, 125 cleveland street

jetlag, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

This is perhaps the most exciting development from around the corner EVER: a cocktail bar. Jetlag doubles as restaurant/ cafe (cappuccino OK, I guess) and screening room (still to be tested, in the basement), but if it goes steady on the drinks, it's all I need to know. I've already considered it for my birthday, and I'm not even sure I'll have a party!

It was rather funny stopping there tonight, the first night we were going to drink after ten days of utter abstinence. The bartender (and owner?) was definite that we're there for cocktails, the moment we stepped in. He asked about our tastes and proceeded to mix some of his own creations: a ginger drink that had coriander syrup (!), and a berry drink that had bitters. Two WINS.

After some uncomfortable negotiation on whether we're to have a second drink, another lovely crazy lovely cocktail followed, a sour whiskey mixed with a lot of crushed pineapple, ice, and black pepper. For four brilliant drinks and a bill of 25 pounds, me reckons we'll be back. Finally a worthy alternative to Shochu Lounge and Octave in the entirety of Fitzrovia and Bloomsbury!

I felt nothing special drinking again, in case you're wondering. That is, on top of immense pleasure.

Update, November 16th 2009: In the meantime, we resolved to never set foot in Jetlag again. Taking Nat and Lee there for cocktails one evening, we had the pleasure of being served a second round at the same time with being kicked out. Kicked out by bartender, and kicked out by owner, neither of whom had any recollection of these two encouraging and investing neighbours, all of sudden. License-wise, it was right to close for the evening, but we had previously been welcomed late by both those guys, and even if that wasn't the case/ point, I do not tolerate being ripped off or bullied.