Hunter S

Address: 194 Southgate Road, London, N1 3HT, United Kingdom

Style: Pub (Contemporary pub)
Food: Set menu

It's the Campari and Aperol, left casually but deliberately on the bar-top, that betray the fact this ain't no ordinary pub. A 150-strong spirits collection focuses on brown spirits - specialising in Scotch, international and American whiskies, rum (though no slouch in the tequila, gin and vodka departments). This isn't a place for cocktails but a place to sip and savour. On our visit we were quickly talking flavour profiles (though the atmosphere's more relaxed brasserie than hushed spirit library).

This back-street boozer in trendy Dalston previously had its walls covered in flat screens showing Sky sports but now the walls are mounted by a veritable menagerie of taxidermy, and a soundtrack meanders between jazz and blues. Art Nouveau touches around the place including Tiffany-style lights and bronze nymphs lend it a Belle Epoque feel. A short wine list and a handful of draught brews complete the drinks selection, while an open kitchen makes for plenty of bustle.