A “Blind Pig” (or Tiger) was traditionally a term used during prohibition for speakeasies here in the US. The Blind Pig London though is beautifully British and embraces the libations of its homeland to create drinks which have been described as liquid fairy tales. This description is fitting since the signature cocktail menu has drinks named after classic children’s books and imbue a sense of lore with creative vessels and masterfully crafted cocktails inspired by children’s literature.
The menu is literally a children’s book. It’s a beautifully illustrated, leather, no joke, book. The illustrations are by Masha Karpushina and the recipes on the pages are brought to by the very talented, Dan Berger. For example, the drink called the Hunny Pot has Crowded Hive mead in it and is served in a Winnie the Pooh-style honey jar. The menu page has a beautiful illustration paying homage to Mr.Pooh, and the drink ingredients are in a script to the side of the image.
The bar itself has a pub style type of feel and is unpretentious while at the same time giving you the feeling that you are in a cool place worth traveling to see. Upon sitting down I ran into another New Yorker, Max Green of Amor Y Amargo who was also there to sample libations, and knew that this was a destination location.
The Blind Pig is a magical, definitively Instagram jealousy inducing, place. You will feel especially enchanted after a Half a Pint o’Buttah which is a Harry Potter inspired beer type drink on tap that has no less than seven ingredients, so it’s more like a potion. After a visit to The Blind Pig in London you will have your own stories to tell about this noteworthy establishment of British spirits and classic tales that brings out your inner child with adult beverages.
Especially British spirits in the cocktails
Kamm & Sons: A British aperitif. A bittersweet botanical spirit distilled with ginseng, fresh grapefruit peels and manuka honey. (The Hunny Pot)
Crowded Hive Mead: Orange Blossom Honey Wine from Denbies Wine Estate (Half Pint o’Buttah
About the Beverage Director
Dan Berger started his career in the hospitality industry while on working holiday in Melbourne and fell in love with the industry. When back in the UK he headed to London, as his hometown of Manchester didn’t have the level of opportunity he was looking for with his craft. Dan worked at various establishments and was on the opening team at Big Easy in Covent Garden before going to the Gordon Ramsay group as Bar Manager to open Heddon Street Kitchen. From there he went on to run the bars at Ace Hotel in Shoreditch before heading to Blind Pig to create this menu.
The Fairytale-Inspired Cocktails at The Blind Pig
Rabbit’s Remedy
Cabeza tequila infused with chamomile tea, carrot cordial, lime and cake.
Languid Caterpillar
Bulleit Rye whiskey, Cynar artichoke, banana, lemon, spicy beetroot syrup and egg white.
Hunny Pot
Havana 7 rum salted butter, Crowded Hive mead, Somerset apple brandy, lemon, honey, orange bitters and Piglet.
Magic Memories
Buffalo Trace bourbon, Disaronno amaretto, maraschino, pink grapefruit, lemon, raspberry, egg white and Tinkerbell.
Lost and Found
Barsol pisco, triple sec, lemon and Marmalade sandwich syrup.
Dream Jar
Ketel One vodka, Swedish punsch, apricot, lemon, vanilla & oregano syrup, egg white, soda and zozimus essence.
Half a Pint o’ Buttah
Monkey Shoulder scotch, Kamm & Sons, thyme, butterscotch, citrus, bitters and beer.
Mr Tumnas Tipple
Hendricks gin, Lanique rose, Cocchi Rosa, Pedro Ximenez sherry, chocolate bitters and tobacco essence.
Float like a Peach
Tanqueray No. 10 gin, Rinquinquin peach wine, hibiscus, olive oil, egg white and sparkling poire.
The Blind Pig details
58 Poland St. Soho, +44 20 7993 3251, socialeatinghouse.com
Connect socially: @blindasapig
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