Birthday Weekender: Number 90 Bar & Kitchen

This weekend (18 – 20 March) the Number 90 Bar & Kitchen in Hackney is holding a four-day birthday weekender celebration for its 2nd Birthday. Thursday evening I was one of the lucky people who got a sneak peek into what the birthday bash holds.

Nestled on the canal-side near Hackney Wick station, the Number 90 Bar & Kitchen is easy to spot with its stunning edgy, exterior – I love the Graffiti.

Welcomed by the friendly team, a refreshing glass of sparkling and a goody bag, we were seated in the dining area so we could try out the new food and a few drinks whilst soaking up the atmosphere.

The interior is really contemporary, with a wooden, warehouse feeling running through. There’s graffiti along the top of the bar which I love (probably my arty side!), and there’s fairy lights and disco balls, giving the whole place a quite hipster feel, yet modern enough to make everyone feel welcome. The DJ, who is nestled on the stage towards the back, was playing house music, with lyrics, which isn’t really my type of music but was still pretty good – it is quite loud though in the dining area, so you do find yourself shouting to one another.

After toasting to the Number 90’s birthday (obviously) we had a quick rummage through our goodybags to find out what surprises we were being treated to. Along with a HUGE party popper and a party hat (PERFECT!) there was an envelope for ‘Tomorrow’s cure’ which was home to one Berroca – Love it! We got stuck into ordering, and trying the food & drink – Alex opting for a beefburger and sweet potato fries and I the salmon and sweet potato fries, along with a cocktail each, the Fish Island Iced Tea and the Gin House Effect – I love names for cocktails these days!The burger was juicy, tender and meaty. Paired with the soft and sweet brioche bun, Alex was more than satisfied. The sweet potato fries were just the right amount of crisp, and so flavoursome – so much better than the ones we attempt to make at home.

My salmon was tender and soft, falling apart with the slight pull of a fork, alongside the asparagus and tenderstem broccoli which were served a la dente with a  delicious crunch. Although I think there could have been a little more sweet chilli sauce (I do like my dishes a little saucier), I do think the salmon had a strong enough flavor to make up for this – absolutely delicious.

Our cocktails were fab. Both really refreshing, the Fish Island Iced Tea a little stronger with a bit of a kick, and made with Dr. Pepper was actually the best version of a Long Island Iced Tea I’ve ever tasted. They’re not normally my choice of drink. The Gin House Effect was one of my favourites of the night – I love a gin cocktails and anything with elderflower, and with a frothy top from the egg white, it made it slightly creamier in texture.

Our waitress, Pavlina, was amazing. So attentive, friendly and always making sure we were happy.  Once we’d finished our meals we ordered another couple of cocktails; a Berry Dacquiri (frozen) which was a hit with Alex – a lover of frozen cocktails – he said the flavor combination was spot on, and a 90 Ways to Happiness for myself which was almost just as good as the Gin House effect, slightly bitter and with a nice taste of ginger shining through.

We stayed for a while, enjoying the atmosphere and a couple more drinks – they’re so reasonably priced! – before heading home.

As I mentioned the birthday weekender is on ALL weekend! Here’s what’s going on for the rest of it:

Friday (last night) –  compilations from Late Night Tales, along with music from legendary record label Rough Trade, providing the “perfect party sound track” for tackling the huge birthday piñata.

Saturday (tonight!) – the legendary Phonica Records will be spinning the vinyls alongside Slothboogie, whilst guests can pay a visit to the Starlight Boutique glitter camp, before bending over backwards in a huge limbo competition.

Sunday – guests can indulge in a Sunday Roast (they look so good!), whilst relaxing to a mixture of funk, soul and reggae from Russ Ryan and DJ Scratchy. A retro record stand selling vinyls will also be set up in the bar, so music lovers can invest in some Birthday Weekend memorabilia.

Food – Number 90’s new food menu will be available all weekend. They cater for vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free, so you don’t need to worry there.

Where can you find it and what time? – Number 90 Bar & Kitchen, 90 Main Yard, Wallis Road, Hackney Wick, E9 5LN London. Fri and Sat 12-4am, Sun 12-11pm.

Have you been yet? What are you waiting for?

Chloe x

*I was invited along to the press launch and provided a free meal and two free drinks. This is not a sponsored post – all views my own.