Cécile T.
Yelp
A bit hidden from the road, in Bow Wharf, next to a gym and a few very nice little shops, sits the East London Liquor Company. I went there on a sunday night, it was mainly young professionals, pretty quiet and friendly. The place looks like many bars do now - bit of an industrial cosy feel if you know what I mean. Quite nice but nothing very special. Seats are comfy, tables wide enough.
Behind the bar though, through a window, you can see where they make their own alcohols - particularly gin. Therefore, to my delight, they have many gin cocktails - with exotic names such as the Darjeeling Unlimited or Murder on the Mandarin express (which I tried and is very flavourful and original). When I went there they had a battle between two Oreo-based cocktails, and the winner is going to be added to the cocktail list.
Cocktails are around £8-9 but for once well worth it. The staff is friendly, the place looks nice and is very near Victoria Park - you can enjoy a walk on a crisp winter day and them come here to warm up with delicious alcohols.
They also have food (cured meats from Reiner and Reiner and cheeses from another nice place which name I can't remember right now) but I haven't tried it.
The bar opened this year and already seems to have a few regulars. I can understand why, if you live in the area it's ideal. Might be way busier on weekends though - I might try soon just to check.