This event was cool, really cool. I’ll tell you why. This event fulfilled the holy trinity of hipster aka the three ‘B’s: Beer, Beards and BBQ, and let me tell you, all three were utterly resplendent. The event was based out of ‘Micks Garage’ opposite the ‘CRATE’ brew shed. The space that was formerly ‘Mick’s Mechanics’ Garage will now be home to DJ’s, Pop ups and supper clubs (see what I mean??). Upon my visit Micks Garage was offering a plethora of delights such as beer from CRATE, kombucha from Jarr and Israeli BBQ from ShukShuk!
From the moment you arrive at the venue you know that this is going to be a pretty edgy set up. You enter through a red, glowing vinyl strip curtain to find a mess of long communal tables and chairs. At the end of the room is a small rustic shack from which Israeli BBQ is being served, oh and there is a DJ standing on top of it playing a pretty impressive set. To your right there is a massive mezzanine with comfy leather chesterfields and ping pong tables. Underneath the mezzanine is a big bar pouring pretty spectacular beer.
I am very excited about the craft beer movement. Now that hipsters love hops I’m seeing wonderful new independent breweries pop up all the time and even the most conventional pubs are starting to respond to this clamour for new and exciting beers and ales. Personally I’m a pale ale drinker -or IPAs if I have someone willing to carry me home – so I began there. The Pale was really enjoyable, smelly pretty fruity (think tropical fruits like pineapple) with a nice malty to bitter finish. This me and this pale could become very good friends. Similarly the both IPA and the lager were a delight to drink. The lager particularly was lovely, really refreshing and light but with some real character.
I also tried the Kombucha from Jarr, this isn’t my first flirtation with Kombucha as it is a massive thing in Los Angeles at the moment. This is unsurprising given all the health benefits and the fact that Los Anglians gobble Kale with as much fervour as Popeye gobbles spinach. The kombucha I had tasted in the past had been slightly milder than the Kombucha by Jarr as I was slightly perturbed by the astringent, vinegary taste. I know its meant to be good for me but Jarr’s Kombucha was just a little too much for me, even when tarted up with passion fruit.
Finally I come to ShukShuk’s BBQ. Turns out from a rather tiny shack in the middle of an ex-automotive garage I receive a pretty amazing plate/tray of food. The star of the show has to be their famous Smoked chicken Shwarma. I expected smoked chicken to be dry but it was so succulent with such amazing flavour! The smokey and spicey flavours penetrated the meat making each mouthful equally delicious. This Chicken as well as the Lamb Mechoui (also excellently spiced and wonderfully tender) was served on a flatbread with a nice handful of fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, dill and chives allowing you to make your own flavour combinations as you eat. The sides were also pretty tasty, potato salad, slaw, and pickles, but not the tired, neglected accoutrements you see at any old summer BBQ, these were done Israeli style. The ‘bread and butter pickles’, were sharp but also sweet, the ‘Tahini slaw’ was delectably light and citrusy with a lovely nutty flavour and the ‘Saffron Potato Salad’ was up there as one of the best potato salads I have tried.
All in all this was a pretty faultless event, great food and great beer and a bloody cool set up.
Queen’s Yard, London E9 5EN.
Open: Friday: 5pm – Midnight and Saturday and Sunday: 12pm – Midnight
Piece by Lucy Gorman, FoodGoblin Central Correspondent
