MC's Caroline Garland dines with the creative crowd...
It’s a rare thing (ooh yes I'm a bit fussy) to find somewhere in Shoreditch that plays good music and serves delicious food, step forward Forge and Co on Shoreditch High Street.
The bar has now established itself as the destination for a slightly older crowd, those that used to rave but maybe now want good music and atmosphere but set in a good restaurant/bar rather than sweaty basement. With DJs on Friday nights (contemporary house), Saturday nights (east London party sounds) and Sunday afternoons (mature disco, house, jazz, soul and balearics), it's a laid back set up perfect for drinks, dinner, both or pre-meet for a late night.
It should also be said the bar area is a go to for creatives looking for somewhere to plug in laptops, have meetings or business breakfast/lunch/dinners. In fact you can hire desk space on the floor above with residents already including businesses devoted to fashion, app building, music streaming, media recruitment and public relations!
Their latest venture is The Modern Grill, overseen by Forge & Co’s new head chef Timothy Brindley, whose resumé includes a head chef roles at Tom Aitkens restaurant group and Caprice Holdings. A high standard of DJs, including Terry Farley and Justin Robertson, will play a social selection of music lending The Modern Grill a ‘supper club’ feel.
Located in the heart of London’s creative district, and like Forge & Co itself, it will cater to the thriving start-up scene around Silicon Roundabout. It’s the latest socially-inspired initiative from entrepreneur Cymon Eckel, noted for his former projects Boy’s Own, Riki Tik, The Griffin and XOYO amongst others. Cymon is partnered with fellow entrepreneur Lalit Maria in the venture.
The à la carte menu features no less than 14 starting and sharing plates, which can take the place of entrées or ordered to be shared amongst the table. These include home-made ricotta cheese with truffled honey and grilled poached pear, seared mackerel with beetroot, horseradish and hazelnuts, and steak tartare with egg yolk and rocket. Highlights amongst the mains are a 12oz Plymouth pork chop, veal schnitzel, roast hake, plus both Chateaubriand with bone marrow and whole sole to share. The dessert list boasts baked alaska plus pear and raspberry crumble with soured ice cream.
We had a wonderful evening, staff knew the menu well offering good wine pairing for any of the dishes. If you want a night of guaranteed good food, drinks, music and interesting people head to The Forge and Co and I’m certain you will be going back.
154-158 Shoreditch High Street London E1 6HU
Tel - 0207 729 0007
reservations@forgeandco.co.uk
Open 8am-11pm weekdays and 9am-11pm on weekends.