"There’s no funny business at High Water but, respectfully, there is quite a bit of PDA. It’s a straightforward bar on Stoke Newington Road that’s totally unpretentious and has that whole sexy crypt thing going on—you know, exposed brick, a certain sensual l’odeur de cave, just enough candlelight to be able to see any cheeky winks come nightfall. The menu is packed full of sloe gin-this and mezcal-that takes on the classics, and we have a real soft spot for the short but sweet wine selection. Plus, it’s open until 2am every night of the week so it’s ideal for those high hopes first dates where you’re hoping one turns into several. " - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, sinead cranna