Behind This Wall

Cool spot hidden away with a good vibe Free popcorn was a nice touch No menu concept is fun however to just be told 'we make all classic cocktails' wasn't particularly inspiring, would've been nice to have a more bespoke conversation to taste/preference Only seemed to be one staff member serving so service was slow (2 drinks each in nearly 2 hours), we were going to stay for a third as the drinks were really good, but whenever we tried to get the waitresses attention, we were ignored and rushed past as opposed to being acknowledged and told they'd be there in a minute - so we decided best to get the bill and leave (which took some time to get as well). Completely understand being understaffed however service does make part of the experience and it did leave a slight sour taste in our mouth If you want to stop by for one cocktail, potentially 2, this would be the spot (recommend the lychee martini and espresso martini)

Love this place. Cute, intimate, and most importantly, incredibly well made drinks. I went for a party - the staff were very attentive and knowledgeable and made drinks very promptly. I live nearby and want to go back asap. My locals are Satan's Whiskers and Equal Parts so that tells you what level this place operates at. I don't get the odd reviews complaining about the lack of menu. First, if you don't know what drinks you like, give the server a base spirit and taste you like and they'll sort you out. Second, do you really need to leave three star reviews for tiny independent cocktail bars in Hackney? Most people don't read the review, just look at the star rating and it's ridiculous to say "the drinks are great, but the service was slow and I wanted a menu - 3 stars". Go to an Alchemist if that stuff is so important to you. EDIT: I read another 3 star review and was annoyed. They're complaining that there wasn't a "unique and inspirational" menu This is a neighbourhood place. We want well made cocktails and ideally classics done well. I don't want foam or my drink to be served in a tiny plastic bin (true story - some place in Soho).

The atmosphere is great with cool music but….the whole we have no menu thing doesn’t work without a really knowledgeable person taking the orders. Just being suggested classic cocktails isn’t inspiring and having someone suggest some tiny inspiration is again a disappointment. Cocktail bar competition is against bars who offer unique and inspirational new cocktail menus m. This place doesn’t compete. In the end, the cocktails we agreed on were pretty underwhelming to taste. Prices were ok for a cocktail bar but I’ve no interest in returning. It was sub par in spite of the cool vibes.

Amazing little place in Hackney! Loved the no menu concept. The staff are super friendly and know what they're doing. They will guide you to make the right choice for your drink or will recommend something according to your taste! Honestly 10/10! We'll be back for sure!

Loved it! I was there again this week and not do I love the ambiance there, the atmosphere, the original design, but above all the cocktails that Charlie suggested based on what I said my taste is. Same for my friend. Proof that it wasn't just a basic recommendation but really knowledgeable. And above all super nice! Will go back for sure. (Adding an old picture as I didn’t take one this time, but still very relevant)

I’ve never had a bad experience here! They execute the no menu concept really well. Interesting riffs on classic cocktails. I’m a bartender myself, but even when I take friends who don’t quite know what they like like they’ve always walked away very happy

Wonderful little bar! Nice tunes! Interesting cocktails! Nice that you can describe a couple of flavours to the barman/woman and they get creative !

Very cool bar. Has no menu, you tell them what kind of cocktails you like and they make their interpretation of it. Very cool music and intimate setting

So glad I finally went to Behind the Wall. I've been wanting to give it a try, and the 2-4-1 Poke' Bowl deal and £1 Oysters on a Tuesday were more than enough motivation. OMG....the tuna poke was amazing. I'd almost go as far as saying that it might have been even better than the poke I've had in Hawaii. The oysters were also pretty good...although I like mine with tabasco(to be fair, I didn't ask if they had tabasco...just ate as served). In addition to the food, the cocktails were also very palate-pleasing. I started with the Ramos Gin Fizz. This cocktail involves a very lengthy shaking process, but it was worth the wait. It reminded me of a dreamsicle mixed with an orange julius. Next I moved onto the Old Fashioned. It was a bit sweeter than I'm used to, but still awesome...with a bit of a orange zest kick. I finished off the night with a Sazerac...strong, flavorful and easy to drink. Also, my sister was visiting from the states where a drink called The Last Word has gotten popular. She's ordered it at every bar we've been to in London, and Behind This Wall was the first that new what she was talking about...and the bartender made a great one. Finally, the atmosphere and decor were very nice. Simplistic yet attractive wood booths and stools. A dim room, but not too dark. I was there with a couple of girlfriends(getting accidentally tipsy before a movie at Hackney Picturehouse), but it would also be great for a date. Around 8pm, a DJ started playing decent tunes, and our waitress was attentive and friendly. As mentioned, they have a great deal on Tuesdays, but also have a £1 oyster Happy Hour from 6pm - 7pm everyday. I will 100% be returning.

My first impression was so-so... Came here last friday night after eating in, to enjoy a few cocktails. This place is literally behind a wall and down the stairs, just find the "Bar" sign. Kind of like that secret/word-of-mouth feeling around it. Unfortunately couldn't find anywhere to sit but at the bar. The place looks well...still "under construction" which I get might be the entire point of the pop-up. In any case, those very uncomfortable wooden stools made me think about how important comfortable seats can be. Wasn't completely blown away but the cocktails either :( Need to give it another shot.

We were really excited to go to this bar as it featured in the nudge newsletter. Hm..not that impresses. It seems like it's new and feels relatively basic. The cocktails have a bit of a twist to the normal cocktails but not interesting enlighten for me to want to go there again.

A Happy Hour Hackney Hideaway. Great cocktails, and the service is attentive and friendly but not over the top. It feels like a speakeasy, had a first date here and we keep coming back. A must visit if you're Hackney Central way.

Nice vibe, easy going, small and pretty chill! Drinks are fine, only thing is music is bit too loud in the evening for such a small venue :)

Really nice spot with an exclusive feel. Its situated down some stairs and behind a curtain and i think the name 'behind this wall is quite fitting'. The cocktails there are really nice and well presented, My fav was the Margarita which was lime green due to some cucumber juice (i think) with the rim of the glass coated in black salt. It was really cool! My girlfriend had a Sazerac which came with an oyster on top which neither of us had seen before, pretty cool again! Its also fairly priced and the staff are really nice and helpful and explain each drink in detail, they really know their stuff down there. Well worth a visit. "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" is a fitting statement