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The Drunken Monkey 222 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, London, E1 6PJ — view map
The Drunken Monkey London Review
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Where can we start with the Drunken Monkey? Well first off homage must be dished out to the person who came out with the name, what a cracker for a bar. It kinda invokes a drinking venue with an oriental twist for those who enjoy an experience different to the norm you find in London and this is exactly what you get at the Drunken Monkey.
A self described 'Dim Sum Eatery and Bar' the Drunken Monkey sits almost anonymously on the corner of Shoreditch High St and Great Eastern St, perhaps it�s lack of immediate prominence is due to it�s previous incarnation as a lap dancing venue and thus desire to create an almost non descript fa�ade. Now, rather than entering a den of debauchery, you find yourself stepping into a refreshingly cool new venue. Offering Dim Sum from midday to midnight alongside draft beer, wines and cocktails, the Drunken Monkey has certainly hit on a winning formula.
The Drunken Monkey combines everything positive from London's gastro pubs, with a taste of Manhattan Bar Chic and a large dosage of Oriental Kung Fu spice. Ceiling fans whirl away as a red hue descends from the hanging lanterns above the scrubbed wooden floors and tables. Separated from the main room, by ornate Chinese screens, is a small alcove 'The Concubine Area' is perfect for a group of about 20 (ideal if you're one guy with 19 girls). Whilst slightly raised is the 'Wudan' room at the back, seating around 30. DJs spin their disks every evening from around 6 ish with tunes that successfully enhance the mood of the venue.
Being a Dim Sum venue you�d be crazy not to sample the delicious food the Drunken Monkey has to offer. We did and we weren�t disappointed. Dishes such as the 'Chili Salt Fried Squid' (strips of squid in a spicy batter with garlic and chili) �3.50; 'Drunken Ribs' (small pork ribs, marinated in beer and spices over night and then oven roasted) �3.00; 'Salt & Pepper Prawns' (king prawns in a batter spiced with pepper, salt and chili) �4.00 and the 'Barbequed Roast Pork Buns' (semi sweet pastry with a rich barbequed pork filling) at �3.00 were all as mouth watering as they sound. Regarding cocktails you can choose from the 'classic cocktail menu with a kung fu twist', we recommend the (classic) 'Monkey Mojitos', the raspberry flavored 'Monkey Nuts' and the sweet pineapple house specialty the 'Simian Features'.
It's not often that you go to a bar or a pub in London that's been praised as much as the Drunken Monkey and not be disappointed, but be prepared to be surprised. The young, modern and very hip Drunken Monkey has set a new standard regarding eating and drinking out in London that's going to be a tough act to follow let alone beat.
Check out the other Best Cocktail Bars in London.
Check out the other Best Bars & Pubs in Shoreditch.
paulc (05 04 2004)
The Drunken Monkey London Description
Modern and hip, The Drunken Monkey in Shoreditch combines a stylish London bar with an oriental touch to create a unique Dim Sum dining venue. Modestly situated on the high street and illuminated inside by red lanterns hanging from the ceiling, this is the perfect place to enjoy Dim Sum specialities accompanied by a range of beers and wines. Recommended in Hardens food guide, the menu's delights include delicious Chilli Salt Fried Squid, Salt and Pepper Prawns, Barbecued Roast Pork Buns and small pork ribs marinated in beer and spices, otherwise known here as Drunken Ribs. For an even more exotic experience, sample one of the exciting cocktails such as the famed Monkey Mojitos, raspberry-flavoured Monkey Nuts, and Simian Features, a sweet house speciality with a pineapple taste. With live tunes from DJs in the evenings, The Drunken Monkey is an excellent place if you're looking for a vibrant atmosphere.
Top Tens and Guides
The Drunken Monkey is featured on the Fluid Foundation top tens and guides under:
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Average Customer Rating (43 Votes)
The dim sum is great as are the cocktails but the staff are appaling. We were there in a large group and didn't notice that our dumplings hadn't arrived with the rest of the meal. When they did arrive an hour after the rest of the food and AFTER the bill we said quite reasonably that we wouldn't pay for them as we were leaving and had out coats on already. We didn't anticipate this would be a problem and the waiter insisted that he wouldn't take them off the bill, and when we pointed out how unreasonable this was, he shouted at us. I would never, ever, EVER go back here and neither should you.”
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Rachel, Dalston (08 12 2009)
Was there recently (for the second time after some years) as I had an hour to kill before a gig nearby. The food, 4 micro dots of flabby dim sum took aaaaages to come, think it was c70 minutes.
Cocktail was good when the polish barman had finished ignoring me and another chap served me after 15 minutes of sitting at the bar.
But due to there abominable service I only caught the last 11/2 songs of the band I wanted to see, and as its not the easiest place to get to or from, frankly I was furious.
Summary cocktails not bad, but there are plenty of places serving as good without the atrocious service.”
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declan88, London (15 04 2009)
I'd like to nominate Drunken Monkey in shoreditch for the title of worst table turners ever.
I booked a table for 6pm on Monday and was told beforehand that i'd have to vacate it at 7:30pm. I arrived a few minutes early and finishd at around 6:50pm so stayed sitting with my friend to finish our drinksand continue chatting.
It was then I was asked if I'd like to pay my bill and finish up at the bar. I told them that I'd barely finished 5 minutes earlier and nonetheless had booked until 7:30pm. The waitress went away and bought the bill without further prompting, she didn't push me to move however. I thought I'd secured my place till 7:30 but imagine my surprise when a couple came and plonked themselves squarely in front of us at our table in a not too subtle hint!
To be fair to the couple, they seemed very sheepish at the episode and I'd challenge anyone to top such bad customer service!!!!”
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James, London (24 12 2008)
Worst Restaurant in London.
Ordered a jug of water for the table, which did not come out. After 30 minutes I went looking for it and got it myself from the bar. Our group ordered the set menu, but a number of the dishes did not come out. We brought this up with the wait staff, and quite some time later (after they had cleared the place mats) one extra dish came out, we were still missing quite a few that were supposedly included in the set menu. The bill was brought to the table, and we paid it thinking the worst was over. Later after most of our group had left, the manager came and told us that his staff had made a mistake on the bill and those of us that were left had to hand over extra money.
Avoid this restaurant at all costs.”
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Owen, London (31 10 2008)
I would like to:
Extra Info
- Cocktails
- DJ
- Food
- Non-Smoking Area