This week we discovered another one of London’s hidden gem’s, Drink, Shop & Do. We use ‘hidden’ in its most literal sense – when our friend told us about ‘this awesome bar he’d been to once’, we nearly walked straight past the building (which is just around the corner from King’s Cross), dismissing it as a small shop that seemed to be open unusually late. First impressions are sometimes irrelevant!
The entrance of Drink, Shop & Do makes it look like an ordinary shop, but it’s a little bit more than ordinary! Walk past the room full of trinkets, humorous T-Shirts and novelty games, climb up the flight of stairs, and you’ll find yourself in a roomy attic space that has been converted into a bar, charmingly decorated with fairy lights, candles, and a hotch-potch of mismatching chairs and stools around the tables. It’s safe to say that Drink Shop & Do has an inviting atmosphere and a slightly quirky charm that makes you want to sit down and sample one of its cocktails.
What makes Drink, Shop & Do different to other bars, though, is not the ‘drinking’, nor really the ‘shopping’, but more the ‘doing’ that is suggested in its name. Every night different activities are planned, that range from competitive to arts and crafts-y to just downright silly. It’s entirely your choice whether you join in with that night’s planned activity, though the majority of customers seem willing to embrace the challenges whole-heartedly and get fully involved in the spirit of the bar.
Every Wednesday night is Lego night (the night we happened to visit the bar), where the bar’s patrons are given seemingly endless amounts of Lego and compete to see which table can build the best Lego robot. There are only three rules: The robot must have a name, it must have a visible superpower, and it must have two legs. People sit around the table, chatting and laughing as they build ginormous Lego robot art pieces with all kinds of crazy features.
Other regular events include the ‘Lionel Rich Tea’ evening, whereby contestants have to try and create a likeness of Lionel Richie’s face in a digestive biscuit with icing. Dance classes, various crafty evenings and even a list-making workshop (more fun than it sounds, we promise). Whilst many of the activities are free, others do require a (usually small) fee to join. Also of note here are the cocktails – they’re really delicious!
Once you’ve had your fill of cocktails and maybe made a giant Lego robot with superpowers, there’s a fantastic dance floor in the basement with a giant disco ball! The music varies depending on the night (particularly if there’s a theme), but it’s the kind of place where crazy dancing is most definitely allowed, if not encouraged.
Even if you’re not interested in the bar scene, but the idea of quirky activities with friends in a charmingly kitsch environment appeals to you, they open as from 9am for breakfast, and also do afternoon tea. A great place to bring a date, a group of friends, or even your mum – your guest is guaranteed not to get bored!
Where?
Drink, Shop & Do
9 Caledonian Road,
London
N1 9DX
Nearest Train Station: Kings Cross (2-minute walk)
When?
Mon – Thurs 9am until midnight
Fri – Sat – 9am until 2am
Sun – 10.30am until 8pm
How much?
Average price of a cocktail: £8.00
For more info, visit: www.drinkshopdo.com
Written by @gabydocherty