The Queen of Hoxton bar is a short walk from the Barbican, on the corner of Worship Street and Curtain Road. Not so much Hoxton, Worship Street is actually one of those former light industrial and office locations on the northern fringe of the City of London and nowadays is seeing a number of bar and restaurant openings – and right opposite the Queen of Hoxton is the brand new Principal Place office and residential development which is providing the HQ for Amazon UK and is the location of some other new trendy bars and restaurants, which will serve to further advance the footfall in this area on the City’s northeastern edge.
Each winter the Queen of Hoxton develops a specialist theme for its large rooftop area. This winter the theme is Moroccan and the establishment has built a hideaway on its rooftop inspired by the far-flung desert realms and romantic splendour of Marrakesh. It invites customers to escape the grey city pavements to what it describes as its Rooftop Riad high above the streets of East London, where you’ll find a new bar inspired by the intoxicating colours, sights and scents of Moroccan Souks. A treasure trove of brightly coloured Baboushe slippers, ceramic tiles, twinkling lanterns, cushions and drapes awaits inside the unique rooftop WigWam.
The Queen of Hoxton’s Moroccan-themed rooftop
There is a secret snug hidden inside a giant Moroccan lamp – ideal for enjoying a Spiced Hot Buttered Rum or Shimmering Gold Pomegranate Bellini amongst the luxurious cushions and dancing lights and to sample delights from the kitchen such as Halloumi Fries, Lamb and Apricot Tagine (recommended) or a Rainbow Vegan Mezze Board.
Outside the Wigwam it pays homage to one of the most Instgrammed places in the world; The Jardin Majorelle – or the Yves Saint Laurent garden in Marrakesh, with green cacti set against the cobalt blue walls with canopies of fairy lights overhead to illuminate. Moroccan spices and Shisha scents will permeate the night air as you sit around crackling cast iron fire pits.
Customers can wander across this blue oasis through tiled archways to the bar, where you’ll find decadent warming treats such as Sweet Cardamom Spiced Coffee and pots of Fragrant Mint Tea with Rose (available with or without booze).
SAMPLE MENUS
SPECIAL DRINKS:
Kasbah Coffee Martini (hot) – A hot Espresso Martini made with Amaro di Angostura, Tia Maria and Espresso, with Cardamom (hot)
Casablancan Mint Tea – A fragrant brew of Gin, Fresh Moroccan Mint Tea and Rose Water (hot)
The Majorelle Man: Orange liquor, whisky, homemade date and pistachio puree, served on the rocks (Cold)
Spiced Hot Buttered Rum: The Queen’s rooftop classic with a Moroccan spiced twist made with Sailor Jerrys, Apple Juice and Moroccan spices served in a mug (hot)
SAMPLE FOOD MENU
Halloumi Fries: Deep Fried Halloumi cheese garnished with pomegranate seeds, mint, fresh chilli and harissa yoghurt
Sherpa’s Tagine: Lamb and Apricot Tagine Served with Pomegranate and Mint Couscous
Shwarma Chicken Wrap: Shawarma Chicken Thigh, shredded Onion Salad, Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Harissa
Mezze Bowl for one or Board for 2 (Vegan Mezze): Colourful Vegan Mezze of Pistachio Falafel, Vegan Spiced Kibbe (Bulgar Wheat Croquettes), Beetroot Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Spiced Crispy Chickpeas, Roasted Red Peppers, Flatbread
Barbican Life was invited to a launch party for the new rooftop area on October 25th and can attest to a great ambience for the new rooftop bar – but it was a warm and pleasant evening for the time of year.
The launch party in full swing. Photo by Graham Turner
As always, the Queen of Hoxton is planning a special program of immersive arts and culture events to tie in with its Moroccan theme. This winter it’s teaming up with Arts Canteen, a London-based collective looking to create artistic links between Europe and the Middle East and independent publisher, Saqi Books, which specialises in books from North Africa, among others to bring you some unique experiences. Including, Henna Workshops, Comedy, Film Screenings, Lizard Life Drawing and much more…
Moroccan Shoe Making Workshop with Juta Shoes
Date: 18th Nov/ 3rd Feb
Tickets: https://queen-of-hoxton.eventcube.io/events/8757/shoe-making-workshop-on-the-rooftop
Interested in learning how to make your own sustainable Moroccan slippers? Want to design your own bespoke pair of shoes for yourself or even a loved ones Christmas present? Book a place on a Juta Shoes workshop! All materials are provided and no experience is necessary, just bring yourself!
Storytelling with Giles Abbott (free entry)
Date: 22nd Nov
Tickets: https://queen-of-hoxton.eventcube.io/events/8742/storytelling-on-the-rooftop
Light falters. Nights lengthen. Inspired by 1001 Arabian Nights, join award winning storyteller Giles Abbott in the Moroccan Medina for reinterpreted tales.
Arabs Aren’t Funny Comedy in Basement
Date: 27th November
Join some of comedy’s finest up and coming and established names in the Elgar Room as Late Night Laughs presents Arabs Aren’t Funny – the best in stand-up comedy from the Arab world and surrounding regions, All presented by Arts Canteen.
Rooftop Hip Hop Yoga and Meditation Class with Gyal Flex
Date: January 20th
Give your mind a chance to relax as you breathe and stop with Gyal Flex’s Holiday through a 40-min beautiful and badass affirmation based meditation to the freshest Hip Hop beats. You’ll then slip into a 1 hour Vinyasa flow with Sanchia, where you’ll throw it down on the mat, create some heat and leave your negativity behind. This will finish with a little Q&A giving you a chance to ask anything… well wellness related.
