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Bull in a China Shop

restaurants•
London
London

Bull in a China Shop

196 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JE, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Shoreditch High Street, this 50-seat hidden gem marries contemporary Asian comfort food with one of London's most impressive whisky collections. It's the kind of place that transforms from quiet early evening refuge to buzzy late-night haunt, all while maintaining that coveted speakeasy atmosphere that Shoreditch does so well.

Bull in a China Shop: Shoreditch's Whisky-Soaked Asian Hideaway

Where 100+ whiskies meet whisky-glazed rotisserie chicken in intimate speakeasy style

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The moment you step inside, you're enveloped by an intimate world of low lighting and plush banquettes that practically beg for lingering conversations. The whitewashed brick walls adorned with oriental ornaments create an intriguing East-meets-industrial aesthetic, perfectly complementing the industrial-chic décor that defines the space. With just 50 seats, the venue feels deliberately cozy—perhaps too cozy during peak hours when tables become rather cramped. The energy shifts beautifully throughout the evening, starting as a calm, romantic retreat around 6pm before evolving into something more lively as the night progresses. There's also a small summer patio for those preferring al fresco dining. The speakeasy vibe isn't forced or theatrical; it feels authentic, like you've genuinely discovered something special that others might walk past without noticing.

Food & Drink

The kitchen delivers contemporary Asian comfort food that spans an impressive range, from breakfast through late-night dining. The signature whisky-glazed rotisserie chicken rightfully headlines the menu—it's the dish that exemplifies this venue's unique fusion approach. The offerings are thoughtfully diverse: bao buns, charcoal brioche burgers, crispy pork belly, and surprisingly, superfood salads for the health-conscious. Breakfast includes eggs Benedict, while vegan options ensure inclusivity. The whisky trifle for dessert cleverly ties the meal back to the bar's specialty. What sets the food apart isn't just quality but the integration with the drinks program—staff provide whisky pairing recommendations, and set menus with whisky pairings are available Thursday through Sunday. The dishes range from £6-£15, making it accessible despite the premium whisky selection.

Service & Experience

The staff here genuinely know their whiskies, which is crucial given the 100+ Japanese and Scotch options available. They're equipped to provide proper recommendations and suggest food pairings, elevating the experience beyond typical restaurant service. The friendly approach noted in reviews suggests genuine hospitality rather than forced enthusiasm. However, there's a significant caveat: service becomes notably slow during peak times. This seems to be a capacity issue rather than staff attitude—with only 50 seats and clear popularity, they're simply stretched thin when busy. The expertise is there, but you'll need patience during prime dining hours.

Value for Money

At £25-£40 per person with cocktails at £12, the pricing sits firmly in 'date-night' territory—not cheap, but reasonable for Shoreditch standards and the quality offered. The whisky selection alone justifies much of the cost; finding 100+ quality Japanese and Scotch whiskies with knowledgeable staff recommendations is rare at this price point. Food portions appear generous given the £6-£15 range for dishes. The set menus with whisky pairings available Thursday-Sunday likely offer the best value for those wanting the full experience. For whisky enthusiasts especially, this represents good value—you're paying for expertise and selection that would cost significantly more elsewhere.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Arrive around 6pm for the optimal experience—you'll catch the quiet, intimate atmosphere before the buzzy crowd arrives, and staff will have more time for proper whisky recommendations. Avoid peak dinner hours if you value personal space, as the 50-seat capacity means cramped tables and slower service. Thursday through Sunday offer the whisky pairing set menus.

What to Focus On

The signature whisky-glazed rotisserie chicken is non-negotiable—it's their claim to fame for good reason. For drinks, trust the staff's whisky recommendations rather than going it alone with 100+ options. The whisky trifle provides a fitting end to the meal, tying the experience together.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Reservations are recommended and must be made by phone—they're not on OpenTable, though walk-ins are accepted. The venue is just 2 minutes from Shoreditch High Street Overground station, opposite the Tea Building. Dogs are welcome but only on the outdoor patio, not inside.

The Final Verdict

Bull in a China Shop succeeds as both restaurant and whisky bar, creating something genuinely unique in Shoreditch's crowded dining scene. The combination of expert whisky curation, thoughtful Asian fusion food, and intimate speakeasy atmosphere delivers on its promises. Yes, it gets cramped and service slows during peak times, but these feel like growing pains of a successful concept rather than fundamental flaws. The staff's whisky knowledge and the kitchen's integration of spirits into both food and pairings show real thought behind the concept. At this price point in this location, it offers solid value for the experience delivered.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

whisky enthusiasts seeking expert guidancecouples wanting intimate date night diningShoreditch locals looking for a sophisticated neighborhood gem

Quick Details

1

Bull in a China Shop

🍺 Hidden whisky bar
⭐️ Asian fusion
⭐️ Speakeasy atmosphere
⭐️ Expert staff
⭐️ Intimate dining

Hidden behind an understated shopfront, this 50-seat whisky sanctuary serves contemporary Asian comfort food alongside 100+ Japanese and Scotch whiskies. The signature whisky-glazed rotisserie chicken headlines a menu designed for whisky pairing, while expert staff guide you through flavor combinations that make sense. Low lighting and plush banquettes create speakeasy intimacy, though the space can feel cramped when full. The small summer patio offers relief during warmer months. Breakfast through late-night service means you can experience different atmospheres - quiet early evening transforms into buzzy cocktail energy as night progresses. The whisky selection spans from accessible to rare, with staff who actually understand food pairings rather than just pouring drinks. Bao buns and charcoal brioche burgers complement the Asian fusion approach, while desserts like whisky trifle complete the theme. Service can slow during peak times, but the whisky education makes waits worthwhile.

What's Great

✓ 100+ Japanese and Scotch whiskies with expert staff recommendations

✓ Signature whisky-glazed rotisserie chicken showcases creative Asian fusion

Keep in Mind

× 50-seat intimate space gets cramped with noticeably slower service during peak hours

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Arrive at 6pm for quiet vibes and optimal whisky recommendations before the buzzy crowd hits

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Daily: 8am-11:30pm"
📍196 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JE, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 7539 9299
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Bull in a China Shop has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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