Coconut, black pepper and rum frappé? Why not. Chive and pineapple with vodka? Sure. Maker’s Mark, Angostura Bitters and fig syrup? Hey, we’re so buzzed from the first two cocktails, at this point we’ll try anything. And at around six or seven quid per drink, we can (on rare occasion) actually afford a little frilly drink exploration.

The Shish Bar and Cocktail Lounge in exotic Willesden Green (yes, the same Shish with that corner spot location on Old Street – but did you know the Willesden Green restaurant came first?) has recently introduced a new cocktail list. Londonist was there to sample it and are happy (or just tipsy?) to report that we approve. In particular, we felt the zesty Ginger Tiger (fresh ginger muddled with honey water and shaken with lime juice and tequila) and the subdued Chinese Lychee and Rose Martini (lychee purée and rose water shaken with Kwai Feh liqueur and Hendrick’s Gin) provided tasty excursions for our palettes without overpowering the flavours of Shish’s food menu (we especially liked their Afghan Chicken). Hardly a fez toss away from the Willesden Green Tube, Shish is a convenient and swank den worth keeping in mind.

Shish bartenders photo by Chris Osburn.