Nobody ever
argues that the setting of
YongFoo Élite isn’t stunning. It’s a retreat into
another world, with white-tablecloth dinners on a sprawling wooden veranda
against a lush backdrop of green.
Tucked in
the corner of the garden, Keep it Quiet is the charming new venture of a bar from
YongFoo Élite. Its vibes hover unintentionally between granny-chic and
almost-shabby: a hodgepodge of ageing furniture, heavy curtains framing large
tarnished oval mirrors, a corner walled-papered in a brown 70s vinyl print. Generous
skylights let in early evening light and a glass-paned wall behind the bar
looks onto garden greenery.
Drinks are
equally as unpretentious, with a smattering of simple signature cocktails, long
drinks and classics. The Rum Old Fashion blends Ron Zacapa 23 rum and Bacardi 8
rum, accented with sugar, bitters and a touch of citrus in the style of an Old
Fashioned – a solid, stiff drink. For overpowering smokiness, if that’s your
thing, sip on the Mezcal Margarita.
Where the
cocktails are more ambitious, they aren’t bad, just a bit odd. The Downhill
Racer, a mix of Bacardi 8, amaretto and pineapple juice, tastes of almonds and
only of almonds. The Dr Strange offers a concoction of gin, coconut water,
banana liqueur, lime and chocolate bitters, bringing on the masochistic
pleasure of an artificially banana-flavoured Now & Later sweet.
Keep it Quiet is a sincere little hideaway’s
hideaway – with attentive service, an unassuming air and a knockout garden. Stick
with the classics and you’ll have a grand old time.
By Cat Nelson
