A Bar with Shapes for a Name

Nestled in London's Whitmore Estate, "A Bar with Shapes for a Name" offers a unique cocktail experience that intertwines Bauhaus aesthetics with cutting-edge mixology. Patrons rave about the vibrant atmosphere, which is expertly crafted through careful lighting and an electrifying music selection. The standout feature? The impressive cocktails. With a concise menu featuring iconic house creations like Atlas and Habanero, each drink is a testament to the artistry of its makers. Customers have consistently praised the bartenders for their exceptional service. Ballin, a highlight for many, has been described as a "legend" — an intuitive mixologist who anticipates patrons' desires and elevates the energy of the night. The precision of their pre-batched cocktails ensures reliability, as highlighted by Nuala's nod to the meticulous nature of the drinks. Uniquely, the venue's minimalist design complements its inventive offerings. From the memorable Japanese-inspired Toki Whisky cocktail shared by Vixoness Flow to Di Di's appreciation for the eclectic vibe, it's evident that each visit to this bar leaves an indelible mark. With friendly staff and intriguing cocktails that provoke thought and inspire creativity, "A Bar with Shapes for a Name" is a must-visit destination for cocktail aficionados and social butterflies alike.

Accessibility
- Does not have assistive hearing loop
- No wheelchair-accessible car park
- No wheelchair-accessible entrance
- No wheelchair-accessible seating
- No wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
- Offers kerbside pickup
- Serves dine-in
- No delivery
- No takeaway
Highlights
- Serves great cocktails
Offerings
- Serves alcohol
- Serves beer
- Serves cocktails
- Serves food
- Serves food at bar
- Has free water refills
- Serves spirits
- Serves wine
Dining options
- Has seating
Amenities
- Has gender-neutral toilets
- Has toilet
- Has Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Upmarket
Crowd
- Good for groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Popular with tourists
- Transgender safe space
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Accepts credit cards
- Accepts debit cards
- Credit cards

Safa Rajas

May 24,2025

Had an amazing night at shapes. The vibe was unreal the lighting, music, and whole atmosphere just hit the right spot. But what really made the night was the bartender, Ballin. Absolute legend. Knew exactly what we wanted before we even finished asking, made every drink perfect, and kept the energy high all night. Seriously one of the best bartenders I’ve come across. If you’re heading to shapes, make sure you grab a drink from Ballin, you won’t regret it.

Nuala

May 15,2025

Lovely place with knowledgable and attentive staff, and interesting and delicious cocktails. I love the precision of the pre-batched cocktails - they are reliable, and the menu tells you the alcohol content. The Atlas was a favourite. The drinks reminded me of the now-closed White Lyan (I miss their Old Fashioned...). We didn’t have food (we weren’t aware they had any).

Felix

Apr 28,2025

Minimalist in every way, except perhaps the onesies. It was surprisingly east to get a seat even at 7pm on a weekday. Many of the drinks are pre-batched, and mostly clarified, but they are amazing. Lots of homemade ingredients!

Di Di

Mar 27,2025

What a gem of a bar! Paying homage to the Bauhaus style/school in interior (as well as the menu and their philosophy in mixology), retro-funk/disco embedded music, quirky yet witty/pleasant signature cocktails and very friendly staff. Many thanks to Will and Maria(h) and the other wonderful bartenders that I didn't have a chance to talk toWould love to visit again for sure!

Vixoness Flow

Mar 25,2025

Just drinks? More like just magic. My first visit to A Bar with Shapes for a Name was nothing short of exceptional. With only seven meticulously curated house cocktails on the menu, each one is clearly crafted with purpose and I chose the one with the Japanese name, made with Toki Whisky, Palo Santo, butter, and golden syrup. The experience? Transformative. This cocktail didn’t just taste good — it awakened my palate in layers. First came the smooth, smoky warmth of the whisky, followed by a buttery richness and a final golden finish that lingered like a memory. It was three layers deep in flavour, each one more intriguing than the last. The service? Impeccable. The staff shared deep knowledge about the ingredients and the story behind the drink and that attention to detail really set the tone. This one cocktail sparked something in me... it inspired the direction for my own upcoming product: Icosa Moringa Water Blends a unique, moringa-infused beverage launching soon. Thank you for the unforgettable inspiration. I’ll definitely be back and next time, I’m bringing friends.

Rachel Egan

Mar 2,2025

It has taken me far too long to write this review, but I wanted to express my thanks to the staff at Bar with Shapes for a Name. In particular, the amazing jumpsuited Will, Oisin, and Cosmo, who not only looked after us with incredible kindness but were also the custodians of my ring for months — doing everything in their power to return it to me. They are truly exceptional gentlemen who deserve medals, raises... and tips. If you’re lucky enough to be served by any of the aforementioned, do yourself a favor: tip big and tell them they’re the best, because they truly are. Unlikely you’ll find better service in all of London. Once again, thank you guys! If you ever find yourselves in Dublin, please reach out - We would love to buy you a thank-you drink. P.S. If you’re visiting, be sure to ask for the cocktail that tastes like a Petit Filous - delightful - childhood nostalgia in a glass

Vika C (Vc12)

Feb 25,2025

Lovely bar in east london. Been in my bucket list for the longest time. Kazimir were exhuisite! My mate ordered lychee martini and enjoyed it too. Wished the service was faster and cheese board can be more diverse. but we loved the concept of the bar.

Anastasia B

Feb 9,2025

Clever cocktails that somehow make their complexity seem simple... in a good way? We tried a fair share of the menu and even the drinks with short descriptors and seemingly simple construction over deliver on taste and experience. Every single element of the cocktails appeals to your senses, making it playful and exciting to try their menu. It's kind of mind bending when you see what you ordered vs what you envisioned in your head as their presentation is unique but not over the top but it's the first sip that really where the journey begins!

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