The Cocktail Trading Co’s flagship at Brick Lane is a place for those who like their cocktails with one-part alcohol and three parts theatre. Bringing a welcome dose of fun to the Shoreditch bar scene, the bar is the brainchild of bartenders Andy Milz, Olly Brading and Elliot Ball – a trio that know their spirits, but also love a little light-hearted comedy. Cocktails come with names like Apairoteef and Eggsperimental Cocktail Cup, while presentation is humorously literal. A Bag O’ Chips, for example, is served in a newspaper cone with a stack of salt and vinegar crisps on top, while Instaspam, a refreshing concoction of fruity liquors, is served in a spam tin. The bar décor continues the theatrics with gramophone lamp shades and back issues of Private Eye shining down on punters. Unlike The Cocktail Trading Co’s Soho and Smithfields outlets, the Brick Lane bar doesn’t take reservations, so arriving early, or late, is essential to secure a table before East London’s Instagrammers pile in.