They say it’s what’s on the inside that counts and that couldn’t be truer for Mr. Buckley’s – a modern little cocktail bar and restaurant situated in what was once a Victorian men’s drinking club.
From the outside you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s nothing special; flanked by a random mash-up of shops selling non-descript bric-a-brac (as is the Hackney way) it doesn’t stand out. But step inside and you’ll find a sophisticated two-level space with exposed brick and flattering lighting. It’s cool yet understated, impressive but not try-hard – a perfect date choice, which is what I happened to be on.
The menu is limited, but limited in a good way – I don’t like being overwhelmed with choice. Almost tapas style, they have a range of ‘jars’, ‘smalls’ and ‘mains’ and I’d recommend getting a mixture of all to share with your group – we didn’t have a dud choice out of the lot. They were all interesting and delicious.
We went for a jar of shredded rabbit with chilli & tarragon (my date tells me it was great but I was too grossed out with the bunny in a jar thing), the smoked pigeon breast with artichokes (yum), pigs cheek croquettes with sage aioli (my favourite) and the beef shin, chicory and roast butternut squash (very yum). For the mains we had the Fillet of sea bass with lemon crushed potatoes & spinach purée (very yum also).
As a self-confessed cocktail snob, I’m the first to admit I’m hard to please – but after making my way through the entire cocktail list, (c’mon there’s only 8) I wasn’t disappointed. And if I was, I can’t remember…the Copper Candy and Basil and Raspberry Smash were definitely standouts. And after all of those, we had absolutely no room for dessert, which is a shame because the nectarine frangipane with pear coulis was really singing out to me.
My date picked up the bill and was too much of a gentleman to show me the digits, so I can’t comment on that – although after all those cocktails I’m pretty sure it was wince worthy. I’ll definitely be heading back to try the brunch and lunch menu. Is 11am too early for cocktails?
Mr. Buckley’s
277 Hackney Road
Shoreditch, London
E2 8NA
mrbuckleys.com
