Cocktails and Cuisine: Brighton Way, Streatham

The Venue: Brighton Way, 5 Streatham High Road London SW161EF

The Cuisine: British

Perfect For When You’re Feeling: Like you want some super British grub and a well-crafted cocktail in a relaxed environment that treads the line nicely between bar and restaurant. Also, when you want an absolutely stonking roast - these guys are the bomb.

Location: On the Streatham high-street, a couple of minutes from the station. It’s the ideal hang-out/get together establishment that the area has been missing.

Menu Concept: These guys aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel - this is classic pub food done well. The usual suspects like steak, fish and chips and Caesar Salad are present, and the loaded burgers look incredible - sumptuous patties, oozing cheese and crisp salad. Try the ultra-enticing sticky BBQ ribs, or perhaps the taster board of British classics that includes pork crackling, scotch egg and tasty terrine.

Cocktail Contributions: The necessary classics (Margarita; Old Fashioned; Negroni) are listed next to an accomplished menu of exciting twists. There’s an updated British Mojito that mixes Bulldog gin, apple juice, orange marmalade and mint, while the Green Dragon is an adventurous combination of chartreuse, tequila infused with cucumber, dandelion and chilli, then shaken with agave and lime.

What We Scoffed: We started with crab tempura which was light, non-greasy and accompanied by a zingy asian sauce - loads of white meat and a well seasoned coating made it very moreish. Since it was a Sunday we decided to try one of their roast dinners - and boy, was this a good choice. It was one of the best cuts of beef I’ve been presented with recently - pink as a blushing flamingo and with rich, thick gravy. After we’d scraped our plates there nearly wasn’t room for the sticky toffee pudding - somehow we managed it, partly due to the fact it was a delectable pillow of spongy goodness with a slight sharpness from dark treacle and a curl of caramel ice cream on top.

What We Quaffed: Since it was a Sunday we did the only decent thing and began with a very tasty Bloody Mary. Next it was time to try a couple of those groovy cocktails - the Pirates Tail was a smoky and scrumptious combination of Appleton V/X rum shaken with Scotch Whisky and lime juice, then topped with ginger beer and garnished with tobacco leaves. The earthy aftertaste married perfectly with the fiery kick of the ginger, making for a very tasty libation. We also had a go at the Desperate Royals - Gold flakes and saffron infused Sloanes Gin, stirred with Lillet Blanc and garnished with grapefruit for that extra zesty, fresh kick. Also good to note is the wine list - with our beef we enjoyed a superb Argentinian Malbec, recommend by our waitress.

Next Time: I was too full to try the Rough Cuddle cocktail - Buffalo Trace Whisky infused with Cherries, stirred with Cherry Marnier and Vermouth - but it sounds divine. The chargrilled tuna steak with crushed new potatoes and avocado salsa also looked awesome, and their brunch menu is impressive too.

Atmosphere and Decor: Wooden, modern and relaxed - the perfect place to come for a few well-earned drinks or a chilled meal. There’s a lot of wood and exposed brick work going on, giving it a trendy Brooklyn air, and absolutely no stuffiness whatsoever.

Tell Me More: Brighton Way is from the guys behind The Great Exhibition, the much-loved pub in Crystal Palace. The name comes from the nickname that Streatham High Road was given during the 1920s and 30s, when an increase in motor vehicles made it a popular route for those looking for a weekend by the sea.

What You’ll Instagram: The perfectly pink beef - there will definitely be some food envy going on there.

What You’ll Tweet: Stomach hurting after the best roast ever - luckily I don’t plan to move for quite some time. More vino anyone?

This was a guest post from the lovely guys at Social and Cocktail. Read more of their guest posts.