The Garage and General Store are both pretty close to Highbury & Islington Station, so very easy to get to if you are in London. From the station the buildings are on the left, there’s a quirky warm-up bar called The General Store, quite stylish like most of the guests. It’s an all-day café and bar serving fantastic cocktails and craft beers. It featured reclaimed gas pumps, huge beer fridges and superlative coffee. The cool-looking interior reminded me of the American cafes from Quentin Tarantino movies.
The staff were attractive and attentive, knowable and quick to serve the demanding crowd. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, it was exciting and fresh.
We enjoyed a couple of cocktails each, The Bearded One went for a Gin based cocktail called an Electric Lemonade, consisting of grapefruit gin, sherbet syrup, soda and lemon juice. Mine was a Bloody Mary in a Warhol-inspired drinking vessel.
The middle room was The Garage itself. The 600 capacity room has kept it’s familiarity but with a brand new sound system, lighting and a refurbished bar with a wider variety of drinks. I look forward to seeing a band here. The stage space looked fantastic.
Upstairs, to what would become my favourite room of the night named “Thousand Island” it was a much more personable space. I loved this room. The Decor with the disco-balls and the pink hue lighting set a very funky tone.
The Bearded one and I had a good-old-boogie whilst enjoying the bar and the DJ. We still left at 11.30 despite an impending early start the next day. It was certainly fun and I look forward to returning soon.
The General Store, The Garage and the Thousand Island room are all quite different but in my opinion complement each other and make for a good night out catering to all the gangs desires whether it’s cool cocktails, live music, or a good-old-boogie.
Thank you to the venue staff for their hospitality and Katy Thompson from Kapranos PR for the invite.
Majella
Restaurant Openings and Reviews Editor, Majella O’Connell