Shankeys blends Indian and Irish flavors in a cozy, candlelit spot, serving up delightful shareable plates and creative cocktails that keep the good vibes flowing.
"At Shankeys, the mood is always set to revelry. The Irish-Indian restaurant on Well Street is fuelled by Barry’s Tea-gronis and filled with candlelit tables demolishing chintzy plates of spicy cauliflower and cheese parathas. The menu is short and it all hits, whether you’re cheersing Carlingford oysters or szechuan scallion ghee-smothered crispy potatoes. But whatever you get, you can’t go far wrong at this laid-back, back slap of a spot. 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, daisy meager
"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
"Getting a table for a group at this candlelit Indian-Irish restaurant can be tricky, but we’re more than willing to get strategic for the smooth, nutmeg-forward Irish coffee and a tamarind and sour plum medley inspiringly called ‘Executive Lamb’. Plus, the mood at this converted old bookies in Hackney is serotonin central—laughter drowns out the music and everyone’s got a sentimental twinkle in their eye. 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, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, heidi lauth beasley
"7pm at Shankeys, an Indian-Irish restaurant in an old bookies, is like being at a wedding reception when the free bar has been in play for several hours. Groups throw back Carlingford oysters by candlelight, laughter drowns out the music, and somebody’s started making cocktails with a bottle of home-brewed poitín.. After a few Barry’s Tea-gronis, the Hackney local sitting across from you with an Irish coffee in hand starts to look like your type. 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, daisy meager, sinead cranna, rianne shlebak, heidi lauth beasley
"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." - Sinéad Cranna
