Reviews Happiness Forgets

I also feel some of the cocktails were very similar - there wasn't much difference in the last two - which he literally poured straight from the bottle into a glass.

Opened by one of the industry greats, Alastair Burgess, there is just something special about Happiness Forgets. Located in an underground basement in Hoxton Square, it's a dark and tiny bar with a short cocktail menu. The cocktails here have no crazy garnishes, no dry ice, no gimmick, just made to a high standard. The drinks themselves are cocktails at their finest and mixed to perfection. This place showcases quality over quantity. Less is more. No wonder it's one of the go to place for off duty bartenders.

Basement bar. Quaint cocktail bar with red ceiling lamps and tea lights on the tables. Original cocktails and interesting local croud.

I was able to go to Happiness Forgets for the first time from winning a competition, to attend the launch of Remy Martin's cocktail app. This was a bar I had heard great things about but have not been successful in getting to, in part due to its popularity; Stephen and I chanced it one Friday night, not even that late but it was already packed to the rafters.

After going I can see it is easy to quickly reach maximum capacity as the place is dinky. A proper cosy little underground drinking den.

I had a whale of a time. There were two types of Remy Martin cocktails to choose from (both quite strong as it turned out, and both being generously handed out whenever you were finished. Or, in my case, when you dropped yours at the bar and spilt it everywhere). I will admit it now, but both me and my friend had no idea what Remy Martin was and didn't manage to guess by the taste. It reminded us of rum or whiskey, and the cocktails they were making with it seemed to suit either liquor, but it didn't quite taste like either. Of course, that's because it was neither - it's cognac. Champagne cognac in this case.

 

Both cocktails were good - one, the Baptiste, was slightly more interesting, made with cider, maple syrup, lemon and orange bitters which sounded right up my street thought turned out not to be my favourite. The other, more pedestrian cocktail was Remy mixed with ginger beer. But I love ginger beer with alcohol and thought this combination was really good - it was slightly thick and syrupy to drink. I think I had two of each and possibly a third of another, but I'm not sure as I was getting quite squiffy by the end of it. 

Best of all we chatted to quite a few people. We chatted with the guy when we came in. We chatted to one of the girls who works there who told us how much she loves the place and what a neighbourhood feel it has. The staff pop in on their nights off because they like it so much. And we chatted to a couple of guys at the bar. Were they competition winners or there in a more formal capacity? I don't know but it was nice to mingle and I believe the venue lended itself to such possibilities. It feels friendly and welcoming inside. This is the kind of place I want to make my local. 

I was happy to go back early one evening not too long after this and the place was just as good on my second trip, the lighting low, the cocktails strong and tasty.

One of the great London cocktail bars. Great atmosphere and they know how to make a drink! My preference is bar seating, but it’s a small/intimate place, so any spot inside is good. Highly recommend!

I just love this little speakeasy cocktail bar hidden away in buzzy Hoxton Square. Great ambience, delicious cocktails, just how I like them, good music and lovely service. Perfect for a date or a drink with friends. They have some good nibbles too. Hands on my favourite cocktail bar in town.

A very sweet spot in London. I have been recommended by a local friend and went there before a theatre play. Staff is friendly and talkative, my negroni was so delicious. I wish I could stay more and try other cocktails.

Nice and cozy bar with relaxing music. Perfect date site and reasonable price on cocktails. Not outstanding with their tastes though. I ordered Perfect Storm, but it’s ginger flavor is overwhelming. However, giving its price I’d recommend it to friends.

Loved my experience here. When you arrive at Ever After, you’re in the right place - head down the steps! The bar is intimate and dim, with friendly service and excellent drinks. I loved the Fawlty Fizz and my fiancé really loved his Tokyo Collins.