The bright bunnies behind rebooted EC1 boozer The Blacksmith & The Toffeemaker have gutted the former White Rabbit. Out of that tattered old hat, they’ve produced magic in the shape of a shiny, smart, post-industrial, 50s-influenced cafe/bar with a chic urban garden in progress to boot. 125 is aimed squarely at Stokie’s skinny white middle classes; the fine beans used to satisfy their bespoke coffee needs, roasted and ground at Caravan in Exmouth Market while, from the counter, cal-counter-dilemma, current cult London doughnuts by Crosstown, wink seductively. The only socially acceptable pint to be seen with nowadays is artisan; brewed, preferably, as locally as possible. Hence, lovely liquid from the likes of Beavertown and Pressure Drop among a convincing cast of craft ales that casts its net further afield to include mouthwatering stuff from Founders of Michigan, for instance. Wines are reasonably priced. NY deli-style sandwiches and cheese toasties (from £5) are served with slaw and crisps and, in a downstairs party bar, Stokie can dance the hokey cokey or twerk its tiny tush 'til late.
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