Originally published on Tuesday, 4th November 2008

Bar Fly: ‘Tis The Season To Get Vodka

Who is this mysterious, debonair professional alcoholic they call the Bar Fly? Who is this hero of the libation revolution? This undercover gin-lover, drinking his way from bar to bar, club to club, gutter to gutter, just to keep you UJ readers in the know? He is a shadow, a secret, an unknown champion of the bar-rumour. That or a raging alcoholic. Let's see what gossip he's dug up this week.

Where Does All That Vodka Come From?

You’d offer ‘the bar’, most likely. (Though technically Russia, Poland, France, New Zealand and Sweden would all be viable answers if one is being pedantic.) Anyway, that infamous home of many a night out East (and a wee vodka or two), the legendary Russian Bar (ah, the point!) is finally reopening this Thursday, November 6. The management may have changed, and they might be painting the walls, but I’m rather hoping it’s the same ol’ den of beloved iniquity. Rumour is, they’re even installing some cheap hotel rooms. Well, maybe not. But it would be good, no?

The Russian Bar: 267 Kingsland Rd, E2 8AS • 9pm-5am, entrance free

Full Lanes Ahead

Finally, and it’s about bloody time. There were the unconfirmed rumours. Then the confirmed press hype. And then the boarding around the venue on Brick Lane, the endless waiting, and, recently, the unveiled exterior. But still nary a stirring within. Until now. Yes, that’s right, folks: All Star Lanes has finally landed East. It officially opens next Thursday (Nov 13), but we fearless Junkies are sneaking in on Monday disguised as ‘real’ journalists. We’ll let you know how she looks.

All Star Lanes: The Old Truman Brewery, 87 Brick La, E1 6QR

Wrapped Up in Russchian

Recipe by Ben Reed. Available at Soho Hotel.

35ml Vodka
20ml Lemon juice
15ml Vanilla syrup
Top with Russhian

Shake all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and strain into a highball glass with ice. Stir gently and garnish with a scoop of fresh passion fruit pulp.

With its unique aromatic and fruity taste, Schweppes Russchian is ideal with vodka. Schweppes, the UKs favourite mixer brand makes mixing simple.

Yours, bowling ball in one hand, vodka Russchian in the other,
The Bar Fly