Longrain

Longrain turned ten this year. In the last decade they've paved the way for a whole generation of bartenders wielding muddling sticks (we call them rolling pins) and tropical fruits. Yes, their Bloody Longrain is still the best Bloody Mary in town; yes, their stick drinks still sell like the bejiggly; and, yes, their bar snacks are still tasty as the day is long. Order the sweet, sticky pork hock, satay skewers and betel leaves, and bags a banquette. And they serve longnecks, too, keeping them cold in wine coolers - that's class. Jeremy Shipley and team slam the drinks out hard and fast, packed with big, zest, fresh flavours. The Do'jito is a punchy mix of tequila, ginger beer and mint, and if you're not indulging or you've drawn the short straw and are driving, the Virgin Mary is excellent - all the peppery freshness of the Bloody Longrain, only sans booze. Like something a bit sweeter and fruitier? Longers can help you out with a Ping Pong - the house specialty - of lemon vodka, lychee liqueur, lychees, passionfruit and fresh lime. The refurbed warehouse, with its wood panelling and bar stacked to the gunwhales with great booze, is still packing 'em in. And we're still loving it.