High Water London

"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

"Some cocktail bars are all moustached mixologists and funky ingredients. Others are pumping music and too cool for school. But High Water is neither of these. It’s just a straightforward, not too fancy, moodily-lit cocktail bar that wants you to have a good time (and get drunk). This is a pretty-much-everyone bar that’s totally unpretentious. The drinks are decent and under a tenner, the inside perfect for boozy dates and boisterous groups alike, and there’s seating out front on the strip as well." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing

"Some cocktail bars are all moustached mixologists and funky ingredients. Others are pumping music and too cool for school. But High Water in Dalston is neither of these. It’s just a straightforward, not too fancy, moodily lit cocktail bar that wants you to have a good time. This is a suits-pretty-much-everyone bar that’s totally unpretentious. The drinks are decent and all sit around the £12 mark, the inside is perfect for boozy dates and boisterous groups alike, and there’s seating out front on the strip as well." - Jake Missing