We review Crouch End’s newest neighbourhood gem, Little Mercies, and their inventive cocktails and small plates menu.

Set in the heart of London’s Crouch End, local hideaway Little Mercies looks pretty low-key from the outside, but don’t let looks deceive you.

Along with its hipster cool interiors, Little Mercies serves up unique cocktails and moreish sharing plates that’ll keep you going back for more.

It was started by Alan Sherwood (previously a bartender at Scout & Three Sheets) who teamed up with the Venning Brothers (Max and Noel) to open a bar that’s the ultimate neighbourhood hideaway.

Little Mercies’ dainty and inventive food and drinks menu focus on quality ingredients and attention to detail.

Cocktails are elegant, easy-drinking and reasonably priced too, at just £9 each. Highlights include a fragrant Negroni with a seasonally-changing Vermouth, while the “Pornstar” and its three-day made-from-scratch passionfruit cordial gives the UK’s favourite cocktail a much-needed facelift.

If you’re not a cocktail fan, there’s a small but varied wine menu, craft beer and artisan coffee from Alchemy.

Small plates cater for all tastes and dietary requirements and change regularly. Our highlights from the current menu are the chicken Katsu “Sando”, mushroom croquet, ox cheek pastrami, and the mixed bean tahini.

Decor wise, Little Mercies is all about laid-back luxury. The concrete bar and exposed brickwork give the bar an industrial edge, while sultry midnight blue walls, banquette seating and candle-lit tables make for a homely space you don’t want to leave.

Perfect for Friday night dates and weekend brunch alike, Little Mercies blends the edginess of east London with the laid-back North London vibe for a bar and restaurant that’s well worth travelling out of the city for.

Little Mercies – Where & How?

Little Mercies is open Wed-Fri 5 pm to 12 am, Saturdays from 12 pm to 12 am and Sundays from 12 pm to 10 pm.

It’s located at 20 Broadway Parade, Crouch End, London N8 9DE. For bookings or to find out more, visit www.littlemercies.co.uk.

Photography courtesy of Little Mercies, Leanne Kelsall and Lateef Photography.

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