Original Sin

4 Reviews on “Original Sin”

• Food And Drinks Noob

  Original Sin, a stylish New York styled speakeasy bar is the sister cocktail bar to Happiness Forget in Hoxton Square, I am a big fan of Original Sin with its simplicity approach to cocktails making rather than lost in garnishes and modern concepts, I really enjoyed The Comeback, which contained cognac and maple syrup to bring out the extra oaky flavours from the drink. Stoke Newington is suppose to be the next hipster location so it makes sense for the boys from Happy Happiness to set shop before the rent become too premium. foodanddrinksnoob.blogspot.com

  December 17, 2015, 3:15 am

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• Becks Dobson

  Sharing its name with a classic INXS song (sorry, had to slip that in), Original Sin is another blink-and-you’ll-miss-it bar tucked off Stoke Newington High Street, beneath burger joint Stokey Bears. It opened at the beginning of the year but shamefully (because it’s only a short walk from my flat) I only made it down a couple of weeks ago.We sat at the bar and it was by far the best decision. Veteran frequenters Matt and Ella have already worked their way through the menu so our prime positions gave us the perfect opportunity to go off menu and leave it up the hugely knowledgeable and creative women behind the bar. Matt went for something involving cognac, rye and amontillado (sherry’s the next big thing) while Ella and I each kicked off with twisted negronis – hers sprayed with Laphroaig, mine infused campari and vermouth with mescal and chocolate bitters, finished with a sprig of rosemary that was set alight, blown out and used as a stirrer. The oils in the herb complemented the smokiness of the mescal and the rich undertones of the cocoa – I think this may quite possibly be a new favourite cocktail.Then things took a darker turn. I was presented with a glorious drink that combined tequila, orange rhum, coffee liqeur and St Elizabeth Allspice Dram. Deliciously rich, this is a drink that works on so many levels as each ingredient takes a turn at commanding the floor. The sweetness of the cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg were pleasantly dulled by the bitter coffee and I’m totally all over tequila in cocktails at the moment.We finished the night with an unexpected shot of sazerac that they’d made for one the bar back’s leaving party the next day. These guys sure know their way around a bottle or two.This neighbourhood bar is a real find. From the friendliest faces to the civilised pool table in the corner, it’s a dimly lit destination for dates and mates, whatever the motivation. Five out of five. thenotsosecretdiary.com

  August 22, 2015, 9:31 pm

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• Matt The List

  For post dinner drinks, we hopped on a bus to Stoke Newington for a second look at the magnificent Original Sin. I briefly mentioned this Happiness Forgets sequel at the end of 2014 during it’s quiet soft launch, but now it’s time to shout about it.Pouring Ribbons, Billy Sunday, Attaboy, Candelaria, Weather Up, Peg & Patriot, Black Hoof, and Dead Rabbit – budge up and make some room.Alistair Burgess & co. have created one of London’s most beautiful bars. The never-ending, candlelit bar top (with always appreciated coat hooks) sits opposite a long row of cosy booths, encouraging friendly chat between all. At one end of the room, a moodily lit pool table cries out to be photographed. See more than a few attempts on my Matt The List Facebook page.Outstanding cocktails from some of London’s finest bartenders will only set you back 7-8. Start with a refreshing Sea Fizz (Mezcal, Cachaca, Lemon, Agave, Salt, Mint and Soda), before getting boozy with a Red Hook (Rye Whiskey, Maraschino, Punt e Mes) or a Handy Dandy (Rye Whiskey, Apple Brandy, Lemon, Grenadine).Then head over to the pool table with something from the 7 anti-G&T Highballs list. You’ll find me with a 6 Ball (Kamm & Sons, Laphroaig, Lemon, Ginger Ale) but I can also recommend the Grande Bellezza (Cynar, Manzanilla, Lemon, Cane Syrup topped with Mediterranean Tonic) and the Rattle Snake (Calvados, Cyder Vinegar, Lemon, Maple Syrup topped with Tonic).But don’t stop there. Any bar worth its salt excels itself when you go off menu, and Tara Garnell (Bar Manager) was all over it on our visit. First there was the moreish Manhattan twist with nutty Amontillado Sherry in place of Sweet Vermouth. A Clover Club-esque Pink Lady and a Calvados Old Fashioned followed, interspersed with some tasters of glorious Chinato Vergano Americano. After a week of fighting off a cold with Milk & Honey Penicillins, Tara delivered the finishing blow with a Jimador’s Remedy – a twist on the Sam Ross classic with smoky mezcal and tequila replacing Islay whisky and scotch.Original Sin is the real deal. Never have I been more tempted to up sticks and move to Stoke Newington. When The Good Egg arrives later this year, that might just do it. mattthelist.com

  May 9, 2015, 6:59 pm

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• Gingle Lists Everything

  Original Sin is the new cocktail bar form Happiness Forgets which just oozes American at you as you enter its subterranean sepia setting its a bit like walking into an Instagram filter. A long bar down one side and booths down another plus a pool table (with brown felt) at one end create a sophisticated but fun Mad Men atmosphere. And the pool table is free! I was surprised at how big the place was, especially compared to Happiness but it soon became quite full so the space is needed. We had two drinks in here but I would have happily stayed longer if I didnt have other places to try. The cocktail list is not overwhelming and prices are 7.00 for highballs and 8.00 for the rest. My Mr Sandman tasted strongly of the all spice it was flavoured with, which I liked, although it felt more appropriate for the Christmas season, drunk with a ginger biscuit. Stephens Perfect Storm was fiery with ginger and sweet with the plum brandy. He liked his second one, the Kashmir, even more though it was a bit too heavy on the cardamom for me. Actually, my second drink was a misstep for me as well the Sea City didnt have enough of the smokiness I associate with mescal and was way too salty for me. It was a bit too much like drinking the sea, rather than the refreshing drink Id imagined.We played a couple of games of pool while the place filled up before sitting down in our booth to finish our second drink. It was both cosy and lively once a few people were there, playing some easy on the ears blues and soft rock. I really liked it. jaminaward.wixsite.com

  May 6, 2015, 7:22 pm

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