It’s a testament to a bar’s reputation when you find it busy at 4pm on a Saturday, which is exactly the scene I encountered at the Hackney-based, 1 Pin-awarded, Equal Parts. While the atmosphere was lively, a waiter in a satsuma-orange shirt noted to the table opposite that this was merely the calm before the storm. As he warned, it gets packed.
This popularity is to be expected given the accolades, including being named the 50 Best Cocktail Bars 'One To Watch' for 2025. Led by Carina Soto Velasquez, the bar pairs high-quality ingredients with a razor-sharp attention to detail. The menu features a dedicated 'Equal Parts' section - four cocktails using perfectly balanced proportions, alongside eight inventive signature serves.
The Grade II-listed bar, Equal Parts (pictured).
DesignMyNight's Review Of Equal Parts In Hackney
Need To Know:
- Address: 245 Hackney Road, E2 8NA
- Area: Hackney
Ambience & We Think Perfect For
- Atmosphere: from the pavement, emerald green tiles draw you toward this Grade II-listed building. The space feels like it could be a boutique or a café (it does, in fact, serve coffee before 4pm), but inside reveals a stunning bronzed, mirrored back bar and Japanese wood panelling. The warmth of the interior is thanks to reclaimed 1660s Czech lighting, bursts of fresh foliage, and an enviable record collection spanning Afro, Psych, and beyond
- Perfect for: private hire (downstairs), groups, and date night
Service & Price
- Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value For Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cost: £54 for two, excluding service charge
The Raw Chilli Paloma (pictured left) and the Mariposa (right).
Menu Highlights
Drink: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Raw Chilli Paloma (£14) - undeterred by the mention of scotch bonnet, I found myself adoring the heat in this tart drink. There was an unmistakable savoury note from the red pepper tequila, expertly balanced by citrus and pink grapefruit soda
- White Pine Negroni (£14) - gin met Swedish akvavit and pine for a profile that was wonderfully foresty. An aperitif blend added a necessary touch of sweetness, making every sip complex, strong, and tranquil
- Mariposa (£14) - smooth, whimsical, and visually stunning. It arrived with a butterfly-shaped decoration atop a single, clear-cut ice cube. The smokiness of the mezcal and Oaxacan rum played beautifully with notes of pear, lemon, and almond
- Frozen Irish Coffee (£13) - this drink had the naughty consistency of a thick, alcoholic milkshake. While I struggled to compute it as a refreshment, my partner had a ball slurping Irish whiskey, hazelnut, vanilla, coffee, coconut, oat milk through a straw after it melted a little. It was glorious. Think your regular iced latte, but better.
Our Overall Experience At Equal Parts
DesignMyNight Review Out Of 5: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Equal Parts is an absolute gem. You don't just get a meticulous cocktail experience; if you’re lucky enough to snag one of the 15 counter spots, you get a front-row seat to the craft. It offers a smoothly soundtracked pause from the frantic pace of Hackney Road. At its core is a deep appreciation for balance in mixology, hospitality, and décor. Nothing feels trite; it’s as casual or as special as you want it to be. It is officially my permanent go-to for a cocktail in East London.
