The London List: Fast Times At Monkey Shoulder’s Social ClubThe London List

By Sam Bathe on 10 Dec 2012

Of all the brands to throw a secret party in East London, Monkey Shoulder would be near top of our list, so it’s fair to say we were excited for their Monkey Shoulder Social Club last Thursday. Taking over a warehouse and gallery space dangerous close to Mangal 2 in Dalston, we arrived brimming with anticipation and certainly weren’t let down.

Given a Monkey Shoulder Republic dollar on the way in, we swapped the cash for a cocktail and the night kicked off in style. With the bar serving a range of (Monkey Shoulder) classics, from an Old Fashioned to a tasty Whisky Mule, everything was knocked back a little too easily. Luckily there was food to soak up the delicious drinks, and with a gourmet street food menu that included pulled pork burger and mac-n-cheese, we didn’t go hungry either.

After taking in 15 minutes of The Big Lebowski in a screening room upstairs, we headed back down for a how-to by one of the barmen. Challenging guests to make the perfect Old Fashioned, if you passed the test you won a key to a treasure chest of Monkey Shoulder goodies, all locked away in separate compartments. Daresay we surprised ourselves, and walked away with a bottle of the drink and a shaker to boot!

First swinging by the marvelous camper van photo booth, it was soon time for the main attraction, and Rebel Bingo in the main room. Not the sort of thing you’d find in a local community hall, Rebel Bingo take their bingo very seriously, and accompanied by pounding beats on the PA and some lewd number calling, three lucky players went home with the largest bottle of Monkey Shoulder you’ve ever seen, a Thomas Heatherwick Spun Chairs and more.

It was a fantastic night, although as midnight was coming up, the Turkish restaurant at the end of the road was just too tempting to pass up!

If you were one of the lucky people to have been initiated into the Monkey Shoulder Social Club, visit facebook.com/monkeyshoulder to find yourself. Follow them @MnkyShldrUK and facebook.com/monkeyshoulder for further announcements.

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