Oh no, granny's found the stash again!

Cocktails and retail are two of LUXE’s favourite things, so when word got out that they’ve come together at the succinctly named Drink, Shop & Do in London’s perennially “emerging” King’s Cross, we were moist with excitement. At first glance, it may look like your granny’s flat after she had a toke and hit the flea markets, but come closer, my pretty, and you’ll find a cleverly edited collection of quirky arts and crafts alongside a small yet tempting menu of boutique beers, throwback cocktails and trad confections and finger sarnies.

Tea time

The brainchild of school pals Kristie and Coralie, this shop/café/bar/social centre slash everything else fulfils their dream “for a place where tea was served in beautiful teapots, cakes were sticky, and if they felt like it they could play a game of scrabble.” It’s also a showroom for art, objects and furniture, where salvaged pieces sit alongside new works by young designers and just about everything is up for sale. Here an old trunk is substituted for a table; Claire Pratt’s woollen birds fly across the lemon-striped wall and Peter Ibruegger’s moustache-embossed cups sit upon a retro dresser.

Grab a chair... Literally

The focus is local, unique, fun and handmade wares. We’re taken by Esther Coombs’s hand-stencilled vintage ceramics, Heart Zeena’s textiles and cushions with bird and heart motifs, Lok Ming Fung’s Asian-inspired glazed earthenware, Fluffy Thoughts’ cheerful, animated greeting cards and Lucie Ellen’s wooden jewellery.

Dress 'er Up

When the Violet Hour calls, send yourself back to the Vic era with a Mother’s Ruin (gin, elderflower, mint and soda), or childhood with The Sherbert One (raspberry or lime sherbert, rum and sour cherry), or get girly with a Rose Bud (rum, rose syrup, rose congu tea and lime), while nibbling on crustless ham and mustard or cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches. You could also just relax with a glass of cava or Estrella beer, before snapping up the chair you’re sitting on or the cup and saucer you’re drinking from. And don’t forget the “do” part, like knitting hats, moulding clay or stringing pearl necklaces. Just check the website for upcoming events or to book the space for your own private party. Jolly, Holly.

9 Caledonian Road, N1. W: drinkshopdo.com