BAR: Three Sheets

In something of a departure from the usual fare on the blog (that being restaurant reviews), I am broadening my horizons by embarking on a tour of the finest bars that London has to offer. Well, not really. Just every time I come across a particularly good bar, I'll think to review it. 

Such is the case with Three Sheets in Dalston. Tucked behind an unassuming facade at the side of the A10, Three Sheets is a tiny bar with petite tables lining the brick walls, a handful of seats at the wrap-around bar, and enough standing room for all of 4 people. Housing a maximum of around 20 people simultaneously, Three Sheets feels like a pretty exclusive hangout, the music tuned to be just quiet enough for people to hold a conversation as they sup delicious cocktails.

And oh what cocktails. I'm not a big drinker - cocktails are my first choice, red wine second, but I don't go out of my way to drink. That could change now that I have sampled Three Sheets' wares. The cocktail menu changes weekly, and consists of three drinks under 'One Sheet' (cocktails with the least alcohol content), three drinks under 'Two Sheets' and three drinks under 'Three Sheets' (cocktails with the greatest alcohol content). Nine cocktails in total, but seven more than I tried this visit.

Pictured at the top of this page is the Picante, a mix of Ocho Tequila, Pineapple, Ancho and Soda. This spicy, smooth flavourbomb of a drink is exceptional, and encapsulates nicely what Three Sheets are going for: Simple sophistication. Probably the best cocktail I've had because it didn't feel like your run-of-the-mill alcoholic beverage. The taste of alcohol was almost non-existent, such was the onus on bringing out the dominant spiced pineapple flavour.

I then had Peaches, consisting of Peach, Cloud Tea, Bourbon and Soda. Another perfect flavour combination, this is everything I would want a peach cocktail to be. Refreshing, succulent, moreish. One is not enough. 

I was sorely tempted by the Irish Coffee (consisting of West Cork Black Cask, Salted Coffee, Butter and Ivy House Farm Double Cream), but time was against us on this occasion. If I lived in the area (thank heavens I don't, but if I did), I would be sure to be a regular at Three Sheets. Best book though, because there's not a chance in hell you're getting a seat otherwise.

Value for Money? Exceptional value - cocktails for £9-11 each.

Would I return? Yes! To date the best bar I've been to. But here's to hoping Three Sheets won't be the only one worthy of acclaim.