Three Mini Reviews: Smokestak, The Jackalope and Jolene
SMOKESTAK, SHOREDITCH
The alluring aroma of barbecue wafting from this Shoreditch establishment is bound to ignite your taste buds. With its rustic interiors and dimly lit lamps dangling down on each table, Smokestak feels like a classic BBQ joint with an elevated twist. If you get the chance to sit at the counter, you’ll see firsthand all the meaty goodness being prepared and casually served to customers on metal trays. From the pastrami starter, the tender briquet, and the pulled pork, you can’t help but savour every bite, and even scrape off the sauce residue (don’t worry, no one’s watching). This restaurant invites a lively clientele from all walks of life, just looking for a good time and juicy slabs of meat. If you appreciate straightforward, no-nonsense, and flavourful dining experiences, this is the place to be.
THE JACKALOPE, MARYLEBONE
Don’t be fooled by its location, this Marylebone pub has got a secret up its sleeve. Tucked away in a mews and traditionally wood-panelled, you’ll find a no frills authentic Chinese restaurant ‘Liu Xiomanian’ downstairs serving up some unbelievable noodles. Our favourite thing there were the mouth-numbing Pork Wontons and the Minced Pork Glassnoodles, perfectly paired with a cold pint from the bar. We took our food upstairs to a quiet corner, sipping away at our beers to try and balance the addictive heat emanating from the dishes. The Jackalope is a unique location that’s perfect for a casual dinner any day of the week and gets particularly lively outside, where crowds gather for after work drinks. This place is sure to impress any out of towners or quite literally spice up a pub night with mates.
JOLENE, NEWINGTON GREEN
Jolene seamlessly transitions from a bakery by day to a cozy restaurant by night. The small candles on each table and effortless details around the room creates an inviting ambiance, whether it’s for a first date or a special night with your partner. The large handwritten chalk board at the centre of the restaurant boasts a diverse and constantly changing menu. Some of our favourites were the rich Pappardelle Beef Ragu and the fresh Tagliolini Brown Crab. It would be unfair not to pay tribute to the focaccia they generously drizzle with olive oil. The counter makes a great spot if you want some intimacy, and offers easy access to order Negronis throughout the night. Jolene is local ‘cool kid on the block’ destination that’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for any occasion.