Simply put, Callooh Callay is an expression of joy and was used in Lewis Carroll’s poem Jabberwocky who, coincidentally, in the same poem, coined the term ‘chortle’, which is a portmanteau of chuckle and snort.
Callooh Callay opened in November 2008 at a time when cocktail bars in the then up-and-coming Shoreditch area were thin on the ground. Now, however, there is a fine selection of sophisticated cocktail venues.
Inside, where cocktail menus are always presented in quirky ways, while there’s an eclectic mix of furniture and décor, presented in a warm and relaxed environment.
Even on busy nights, the staff, are attentive, knowledgeable and up for a laugh, as well as being ready to recommend a serve or listen to what you might prefer.
The current menu is called “Callooh Callay McMenu”, a fun and approachable menu that will spread through each drink!
The menu incorporates great flavors and spirits while maintaining a level of sophistication and use of different techniques to extract flavors, a true testament to the team’s bartending skills and creativity.
The Callooh signature is of course the House Daiquri (only £9.50) and it is absolutely delicious.
The team uses their own Rum blend (Havana 3yo, El Dorado 3yo and Rumbar Overproof) with the lime being “cut” with Kalamansi to give that extra flavor that will make this daiquiri one of the best in town.
The Apple-Pie-Tini is a must try, featuring Baked Apple Belvedere Vodka & Buttery Biscuit Regal Rogue Dry Vermouth.
If you are into Spicy Margs / Picante then try the Green Card: Cazcabel Blanco Tequila, Mango Chutney Verdite fortified with El Tequileno Blanco Tequila & Lime
But one of your favorite is the Cherry Cola which tastes exactly as it’s called! Eminente 3yo Rum, Cherry and Tonka Vermouth fortified with Torres 15yo Brandy and topped with Franklin & Son’s Cola….HEAVEN!
Beer, wine, Champagne and cider are also given a healthy amount of space on the menu.
Callooh Callay kitchen is now run by Park and Kim brand (American/Korean diner) and offers delicious smashed burgers, numerous delicious sides and loaded fries!
