There are cocktail bars, and then there’s Seed Library. Situated in the heart of East London, in the basement of One Hundred Shoreditch, this is no ordinary drinking den.
The brains behind the concept is famed multi-award-winning mixologist Mr Lyan, who certainly knows a thing or two about creating a successful bar. His South Bank venue, Lyaness, has been voted one of the best bars in the world. His approach to cocktail making is almost wizard-like, blending his backgrounds in fine art, biology and philosophy to create truly unique drinks.
Step inside and the décor immediately sets the mood. Think warm lighting, terrazzo finishes and colour-pop red tables, all wrapped in a retro aesthetic that feels like a stylish throwback to the late 60s. Even the bathrooms are aesthetically pleasing, featuring DS & Durga Debaser handcare, no less. If you’re into fragrances, you’ll know the luxurious niche perfume brand from Brooklyn. There’s also a wood-panelled DJ booth where music is played on vinyl records, ticking that nostalgic element.
The cocktails change frequently here, and the team has recently launched a new menu featuring fifteen new serves. The collection demonstrates the unique and creative ways the bar strips back great ingredients and celebrates what makes them special.
“We’ve built on this jumping-off point and reflected on ingredients that feel personal or special to us. We’ve delved deep into each one to discover something unique that we can present to our guests,” says Mr Lyan.
It’s a strong line-up, and we highly recommend starting with the Sofrito Spritz. A firm favourite, this refreshing serve brings an unexpected twist to the classic spritz, using vegetables including white carrot and yellow bell pepper infused in wine, topped with Champagne, gin and sweet rhubarb. Refreshing, light and incredibly easy to drink.
Other highlights include the tipsy Green Juice, made with a bespoke whisky blend for Seed Library created by Thompson Bros. It combines lime, parsley leaf and freshly pressed pear juice from just three simple ingredients.
Opt for a round of the KJ Daisy and the team will hand over doodling pens so you can sketch your own daisy creation directly onto the table (wipeable, of course). There’s nothing quite like a little friendly competition over whose daisy looks the best while sipping cocktails. The KJ Daisy’s key ingredient is lime ketchup, no less, teamed with Hendrick’s Gin, creamy white cacao and raspberry. It’s highly addictive and the perfect introduction to the world of Seed Library’s remarkable cocktails.
Then there’s the staple on the menu, the C.R.E.A.M Margarita, which has also been reinvented. The tequila-based cocktail now features watermelon and eucalyptus layered with cream, as the name suggests, alongside Patrón tequila and Champagne. Perfect if you’re bored of the usual Picante’s and Paloma’s and want a surprising tequila twist.
Not in the mood for cocktails? Fear not. There’s also a selection of craft beer, wine and grazing snacks.
You’d think that on a busy Saturday evening the cocktails would take so long to arrive that you’d opt for a glass of wine instead. Not here at Seed Library. Cocktail production is a masterclass in efficiency. Each member of the bar team has their own role in the creation process, from measuring spirits and shaking drinks to garnishing and presentation. Overseeing it all is the equivalent of a head chef in bar form, whose role is to ensure every cocktail meets the bar’s exacting standards.
It’s cocktail making elevated to a fine art. Expertly crafted drinks without the long wait, a great atmosphere and some of the most inventive cocktails in London – the perfect formula for a truly memorable evening.
Seed Library 100 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JQ
