Blues Kitchen, restaurant review: Shoreditch’s top destination for food and fun

Leaving this place without trying the ’New Orleans Gumbo’ would be a crime

Joanna Chaundy
Friday 31 March 2017 13:30 EDT
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Of the three Blues Kitchens in London, this one is by far the coolest
Of the three Blues Kitchens in London, this one is by far the coolest

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Of the three Blues Kitchens in London, this one is by far the coolest.

Set in the heart of Shoreditch, this stunning converted Victorian Warehouse is the place for you if you are a fan of good music (including live and celeb DJ sets), delicious Southern American food and a friendly crowd. What more could you ask for?

The décor comprises endless Blues images on the walls of sexy candle-lit drinking booths with Victorian-style tiling. You could easily be in the heart of New Orleans given the music and style of this rich-hued den.

There’s a wide array of whiskies ready for you to try, and the staff are extremely good at talking you into dabbling with different cocktails.

Whisky sours at a standard £9.50 are a favourite as are the Lychee Martinis.

Food-wise, the Blues Kitchen clearly has some fine chefs who knock up the most tempting southern grub. Start off with some mouth-watering Buffalo wings and Cajun popcorn squid to get you ready for your mains.

Presentation is certainly important here as you can catch most people excitedly taking pictures of their food for their Instagram.

Friday nights are buzzing with Shoreditch hipsters and the atmosphere is nothing but chilled
Friday nights are buzzing with Shoreditch hipsters and the atmosphere is nothing but chilled

Leaving this place without trying the ’New Orleans Gumbo’ would be a crime – smoked sausage, okra peppers with rice andcornbread for £13.90.

The cornbread is melt in your mouth incredible, forcing you to do that thing where you take your first bite and smile in silence at your fellow diners. The only danger with the Blues Kitchen menu is of overeating.

Whisky sours at a standard £9.50 are a favourite as are the Lychee Martinis
Whisky sours at a standard £9.50 are a favourite as are the Lychee Martinis

Fear not, their bathrooms are also quirky and super cool so even that is a pleasant experience.

Friday nights are buzzing with Shoreditch hipsters and the atmosphere is nothing but chilled. Mixed between late night party goers, chatty diners to casual drinkers, there is a corner in this dim-lit haunt for everyone.

Guest DJ’s and live blues acts are a staple here so you are constantly entertained. A fabulous place for a get-together or party hang-out.

The Blues Kitchen is scattered with private areas with even an airstream private caravan stocked up with a fridge for your favourite tipple and a system for your own playlist. This little luxury fits up to 25 people and enables you to shut the door on everyone else if you so wish.

The staff are not only all cool but personable and cannot do enough for you, even recommending tattoo parlours. The service is speedy and efficient and you end up wanting to be best friends with your waiter or waitress. A great trait to have.

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