To start your date, meet on Shoreditch High Street and pop into The Foxcroft and Ginger (which is left out of Shoreditch station above the end of the new row of shops on the high street) where you can sit under umbrellas and look down on the world below whilst enjoying a pre dinner drink. It’s then just a short walk across the high street and down a few back streets to Queen of Hoxton.
On arrival you are presented with quite a dark room, lit by exposed light bulbs intertwined with ivy. The walls are covered with graffiti with what looks like images of 80s or 90s computer games, which is appropriate as there are various games strewn around; a pin ball machine, foosball table and real computer games too. These childhood games are a perfect icebreaker at the start of the date whilst sipping on one of the deliciously grownup cocktails on offer.
After your cocktail head up to the roof garden to get some more drinks, and order your food. Several flights of stairs later the roof opens out onto patches of fake lawn covered in a variety of styles of picnic benches and tables! Flowers, bunting and fairy lights are hung all around making the place look absolutely magical. There is a really buzzy atmosphere up on the roof, plenty of people come here even on a weeknight, so it’s a good idea to arrive early and get a good spot. There is also the option of queuing for a set of wireless headphones to watch a film on the large projector screen, details of what is showing can be found on their website.
At the far end of the garden is a BBQ and bar where food and drinks can be ordered. The menu is small but well chosen for the time of year, as well as being easy to eat should you find yourself perching on a bench! The burgers are a bit mean, but the halloumi salad is highly recommended. The staff are very helpful and friendly and no one seems to wait long for food despite the fact it’s always quite busy.
At the start of the film tables are quickly and efficiently put to one side and rows of chairs set up, if you aren’t staying for the film you will be asked to leave the roof which was a shame but this could be an opportunity to check out what is happening on in the basement - a wide variety of DJ's and events are on offer depending on the night.
Don't let the fact that it is open air put you off should you be planning a trip later on in the year, they erect a huge wigwam in the winter and the food is changed accordingly, there is even marshmallow toasting and hot chocolate, great for cosying up with your date!
This place is ideal for a fun, informal,
early date. There is plenty to entertain you if you’re stuck for conversation and the location is great, even if you don't live east, as it is so close to the station.
P.s. Click here to read the official review on our website...
