The Blues Kitchen, Shoreditch

Fitting in perfectly with the Shoreditch scene, the Blue Kitchen's latest opening is a blend of American diner and grungy music venue with a stunning cocktail bar bridging the gap.

Dominating the large open plan room is the enormous island bar with its tiled mosaic centre piece. During the early evening it's possible to perch here, admiring the impressive American whiskey collection while diners splurge on the impressive array of meat-laden dishes.

The cocktail list is short and focuses on well-made classics, mostly featuring the house specialty of bourbon. However, for those who prefer their spirits unaged there are plenty of options including a Hemingway Daiquiri and a Clover Club.

If the portraits of blues artists and gramophone lights don't do it for you the incredible atmosphere and live music certainly should.