Homeboy unveils new menu
Irish cocktail bar Homeboy is set to launch the second volume of its setlist menu on 22 August.
The London-based ‘home of modern Irish hospitality’ is known for its classic cocktails, ‘playful’ twists, and ability to showcase Irish whiskey ‘in its best light’.
The bar, located in Islington, is also famed for serving ‘one of the best pints of Guinness in London’ alongside a curated spirits selection, and a wine list upon request.
The Setlist Vol. 2 menu offers a drinks-based setlist that features ‘eye-openers and sharpeners’ such as the Frozen Irish Coffee, made with Jameson Black Barrel, Kahlúa, spiced Guinness and condensed milk syrup, and the ‘robust and refreshing’ Delicious Things, made with Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, Italicus liqueur, apple and sage sherbet, and pomegranate.
For something special, the menu boasts a section of ‘deluxe’ drinks, which includes the Los Perros (‘The Dogs’), made with Patrón reposado Tequila and Campari, alongside a four citrus sherbet and bell pepper cordial, topped with grapefruit soda.
While renowned for its Irish whiskey-based cocktails, Homeboy has also garnered a reputation for its Martinis since its opening in 2019.
With this in mind, the bar team has curated a new Mineral Martini, which focuses on the minerality and salinity synonymous with a Dirty Martini, with guests given the option to customise their serve with a choice of Boatyard Gin or Grey Goose vodka, which is then elevated with one of the bar’s custom mineral modifiers: the ‘luxurious’ blue cheese tincture for mouth feel; the coastal Irish seaweed tincture for an umami note; or a strawberry saline solution that boasts a salty minerality.
Each section of the menu has been paired with one of the bar’s signature playlists. Guests can expect to hear the best of Hip Hop and R’n’B throughout their evening, and all playlists can be accessed via QR codes located on each section of the physical menu.
Owner Aaron Wall said: “The cocktails on The Setlist Vol. 2 are a representation of our team’s dedication to looking after our guests with approachable and thoughtful drinks crafted with care and attention. Hospitality starts with a warm welcome, then a drink quickly put in your hands that should delight and exceed expectation.
“The research and development on the menu started with our guests, trusting their palate and believing the genius should be in the taste, not the explanation of the drink. We tried to find a little bit of nostalgia and novelty throughout the menu. We take inspiration from a foundation in classics, we look to everyday life and how we can highlight the wonderful spirits we are using. For this we keep an eye on what’s contemporary, rather than relying on the next trend.”
Wall noted that The Setlist Vol.1 was a departure from the bar’s previous black and white menus. “We went from a non-committal menu that was easy to pick up, and quickly choose a drink from, to a menu that is even more engaging and people enjoy flicking back and forth through,” he explained.
The team has also kept a selection of the Homeboy classics that have been a stalwart of the menu since the bar first opened, with serves including the Irish Coffee, Taoiseach, Wogan, Blackthorn no.2, and Whiskey Smash all remaining.
The menu also features a selection of non-alcoholic serves, as well as boiler makers, beers and sparkling wines. A vast selection of Irish whiskeys are available by the measure.
Guests can enjoy The Setlist Vol. 2 from 22 August.
Related news
