"Verdict: Shankeys is a laid-back, back slap of a spot. The Indian-Irish restaurant occupies an old bookies in Hackney, and every night feels like a party. There are poitín cocktails, Carlingford oysters thrown back by candlelight, and cauliflower curry and cheese-stuffed paratha dispatched to tables working on rounds of Barry’s Tea-gronis. Take a deep breath, and put the plan you had to one side. It’s best to approach the Shankeys booking system without a set date in mind. There are reservations available, but rarely on the date you wanted. Also know that even at 6pm or 9:30pm—it’s plenty lively." - jake missing, sinead cranna, rianne shlebak, heidi lauth beasley
