Hotbox

It was bitterly cold; I was lost; my battery was dead; and I was venturing East. Not a good combination. My usual reliance on Google Maps coupled with no phone and absolutely no knowledge of East London left me feeling irritated and panicked. Worst of all, I was late for my best friend's birthday dinner.

All of the above was quickly forgotten upon entering Hotbox  - a barbecue joint on Commercial Street. I walked in all flustered and freezing and abruptly rushed passed the maître d explaining that my friends were already at the table. She stopped me and said, "Oh hello! Are you Esjay? Let me show you to your table!" Unexpected VIP service? Fork number one. 

I sat down at our table and rubbed my hands together ferociously in an attempt to warm up. Our waiter asked me how I was. My answer, "fine thanks, but very cold!" He returned with a steaming glass of water and a large napkin wrapped around it. "Hold your hands around this" he said "and you'll feel better." Fork number two. BIG fork. 

Hotbox is dark, loud and uber cool. The music switches from rap to reggae pretty seamlessly and the restaurant seems to be full of twenty-something year old regulars that are out to have a good time. The place exudes energy; you feel hyped before you've even had a chance to look at the menu! Fork number three. 

My cocktail was excellent. Not too strong with a subtle hint of apricot working fantastically well with the gin and lemonade. 

We all tucked into Dirty Swine Sandwiches which were made up of pulled pork and hot link sausage. They were spicy, messy, meaty, tangy and very well executed. Sandwiches and burgers of this kind can get quite same-y. But this was different. The spicy sausage made this sandwich a cut above the pulled pork creations we have all become accustomed to. Fork number four.

We ordered some sides to go with the Sandwiches... Sweet Potato Fries and Beets & Roquefort...

Finally, deep fried Oreos.  A very generous portion - enough for two to share. It was less sickly but more stodgy than I anticipated. We all agreed that we preferred regular Oreos but this is one of those desserts that you have to order at a place like this. I could take it or leave it in future but I'm glad I tried it.

Hotbox is great for groups. It's fun, "on trend," and a good starting point if you're planning a night "out out" in Shoreditch. Food and service both hit the spot :)

Let me know what you think!

Rating: 

http://hotboxlondon.com/tablet/index.html