While the flagship Brixton arches bar slumbers in (supposedly temporary) closure, Ekcovision – the cocktail bar arm of Antic London – lays down east London roots with this Walthamstow location. Decorated with geometric wallpaper and shelves filled with vintage radios, it certainly looks the part. All the requisite craft beers are to be found on tap, but it’s the house cocktails you should dutifully peruse. A Suffering Bastard was an eye-wateringly sharp concoction of white rum, curacao and lime; a Pull a MOOny made for a crisp blend of Black Cow Vodka, lemon, ginger and prosecco. Fans of Walthamstow’s most famous musical export should look no further than a Stay Another Day, which brings together a hoppy Joker lager with a raisin-infused whisky chaser clipped to the side of the glass.
It wasn’t quite the thumping Saturday night spot it should have been, however. Perhaps having the converted cinema Mirth, Marvel & Maud next door is spreading E17’s clientele a little thin. But it’s a welcome addition to Hoe Street nonetheless, and with another branch soon to open in Leytonstone, Ekcovision’s eastward march looks set to continue.