Irish duo Aaron Wall and Ciarán Smith have launched Homeboy, a modern, Ireland-inspired living room cocktail bar in Islington.
Homeboy is Aaron and Ciarán’s first venture. The pair, who previously held senior roles at venues including Callooh Callay, London Cocktail Club, The Dorchester and Waldorf Astoria NYC, are combining their expertise to create “a fun and relaxed good-time bar with modern Irish hospitality at its heart”.
Upon entering the venue, guests will encounter what has been designed to feel like a living room; a mix of exposed brick, painted features and tiles accentuate a cosy ‘at home’ vibe, while maintaining a sense of contemporary design.
With a focus on celebrating Irish producers, the cocktail menu is composed of three pillars: ‘Irish whiskey’, where the drinks will showcase the versatility that once saw Irish whiskey as the top selling spirit in the world; ‘Contemporary’, utilising modern techniques; and ‘Classics’, paying homage to some of the modern classic cocktails of our time.
The drinks at Homeboy, which also include a selection of Irish beers and draught Guinness, will be served alongside a soundtrack of hip-hop and RnB and home-cooked food.
Snacks comprise of loaded fries and poutine as well as comforting family favourites such as Da’s Irish Stew and Ma’s Brown Bread, which use the recipes by Ciarán’s Dad and Aaron’s mum respectively.
“London’s smallest Irish pub” resides at the back of Homeboy. It is said to be the first pub hidden within a cocktail bar in the capital, and comprises of just eight seats with room for 30 people standing.
Launching in time for the Six Nations, all of the rugby games will be shown, whilst Guinness, Hop House 13 lager, a range of Irish whisky highballs and an Irish whisky punch will be on offer.
