Mustik (closed) in City of London, London

Fluid Eating's Review of Mustik (closed)

Closed at the end of June 2011

When I heard I was going to experience the Caribbean in Moorgate I was somewhat intrigued. The Caribbean...Moorgate. Moorgate...the Caribbean. Nope, no matter how many times I said the words out loud they just didn’t work. Despite not having much experience of either place, I could not see how the beautiful, exotic and colourful Caribbean could have any similarities with a seemingly grey area of London, where suits and boots go hand in hand and nightlife appears non-existent. In fact, the more I thought about it, the more I thought it was a joke; only, the punchline wasn’t that funny: What do the Caribbean and Moorgate have in common? Absolutely nothing. (Hilarious)

It turns out my assumptions were slightly wrong. OK, admittedly, the two areas aren’t similar but it just so happens I did find a slice of the Caribbean in Moorgate. I found a Caribbean cocktail bar called Mustik. Well, strictly speaking, I was introduced to it. It was an escape from the busy city streets; a break from the dull routine; a ray of sunshine in the endless grey clouds.

When I first walked in to the bar, the sense of Caribbean was quite apparent. I’m not sure whether it was the colourful decor and warm atmosphere or the palm trees, orchids and wicker furniture. Sure, it wasn’t the same as stepping into a beach bar on St Lucia but the effort and attention to detail certainly helped its cause. Sadly, the relaxing Caribbean vibes were slightly lost in the loud music and TV shows being projected onto the wall (watching a nature show on insects isn’t really what I wanted from my night) but I didn’t let this affect my spirits. Instead, I proceeded to dive into the cocktail menu; when in the Caribbean, and all that!

The list was vast and the choices all tempting – not a bad start, especially when I was able to choose the Porn Star Martini to kick off the proceedings. My friend’s Aphrodisiac was also a winner. It was then we realised our choices had a bit of a theme...we were two single ladies out on the town after all. Once the realisation had set in, our conversation naturally turned to men... and then we spent the next few hours cursing and moaning about them all. It was a form of self help!

The food was an even bigger treat than the cocktails and it certainly helped soothe the anger-releasing man talk. (Maybe the bar could organise some female only, ‘let’s moan about men nights’ as a form of therapy!) The fare is so good because Mustik has partnered with Caribbean food specialist Yah Man, which is led by executive chef Hasan DeFour. The menu is a fusion of Caribbean and British flavours, offering masses of affordable dishes. I could go for anything from jerk chicken and traditional curries to Caribbean stews and speciality salads. There was also a range of sides, including plantain and Jamaican patties, a choice of spicy sauces and even a selection of burgers (for those who play it safe). The Jamaican Escoveitch with red snapper was by far my favourite dish and from this alone, it was easy to see why Hasan DeFour is one of the UK’s most loved Caribbean chefs. The food was exquisite, and seriously tasty. Serious.

Mustik’s vibrant decor, delicious food and delectable drinks certainly make the bar a hit but if I had to pinpoint a downside it would have to be the location. Despite its proximity to buzzing Old Street, Moorgate is not an area I would choose to go, for any reason, especially at night. Mustik is understandably busy with business types during the day but by the evening it appears to empty out. And the night I went was no exception, which was a shame considering it was a Friday. Maybe those female therapy nights wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all!

Having said this, I see Mustik as a little splash of colour in an otherwise dull and dreary scene. For me it was a tease. For one night it offered me a hint of paradise and escape but before long I had to step out onto London’s wet and windy summertime streets; the quickest route back to reality I’ve think ever had.

Reviewed by Laura Collins

DESCRIPTION: Set over two floors, Mustik has a capacity to hold parties of 6 to 600. So whether you are after a quick bite for lunch or some fine evening dining; a refreshing drink or a night out dancing; this venue is your destination of choice. But don’t just take our word for it… come and see for yourself. We guarantee you’ll find your favourite corner within this beautiful, revitalising environment…

New to Mustik is our choice of corporate packages. We offer private rooms, equipped with top of the range equipment, designed to hold efficient conferences, meetings and interviews. (Updated 17/08/2011)

Mustik (closed) Food & Drink Menus

Listed below are few sample food and drinks items available at Mustik (closed). These lists are not enhaustive, but are instead designed to give you an overview of the venue's offerings and assciated prices.

Mustik (closed) Food menu

Our Caribbean inspired cuisine is put together by Chef Hasan DeFour; one of the UK’s most renowned Caribbean chefs. Trinidadian born and bred, DeFour will take you on an inspiring culinary journey with his internationally recognised menu.

Item	Price
Caribbean Stew	£7.00
Caribbean stew is similar to a traditional European stew, but with added herbs & spices for that tropical ‘zing’.
Ackee and salt fish	£3.25
Jamaican National Dish - saltfish salad with sweet peppers & hot pepper, onions thyme and Ackee – the national fruit of Jamaica
Salt-fish fritters	£2.50
Deep Fried batter of shredded salt-fish, pepper, spring onion and herbs
Plantain Fritter	£2.50
Caribbean cooking banana
Creole Sauce - ’a la St. Lucia’	£7.00
Creole Sauce is tomato based with fresh thyme and bay leaf. A real culinary trip.

Mustik (closed) Drink menu

The bar offers an ‘ever-growing’ collection of rum and is just the right place to lounge about and unwind, with a perfectly balanced cocktail at your side (or a cold beer or a glass of fine wine if that is your preference); all served by knowledgeable and professional personnel.

Item	Description	Price
Mustik Mojito	Lime, fresh passion fruit, grapes, mint, brown sugar & spiced rum..	£7.50
Lucky 7	Havana 7, ginger, ginger liqueur, vanilla, grapefruit & lime juices..	£7.00
Aphrodisiac	Fresh starwberries, vanilla liqueuer & cava rosé..	£6.50

Mustik (closed) Opening Hours

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Closed	11:00am - 3:00am	11:00am - 3:00am	11:00am - 3:00am	11:00am - 3:00am	11:00am - 4:00am	6:30pm - 4:00am

Mustik (closed) Map

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“Having seen the previous review stating that they couldn't have the a la carte menu because there were 8 people or more, all I can say is what a shame as we went to Mustik on 29 January 2011 there was 7 of us so we ordered from the a la carte menu and the food was gorgeous. We all had different dishes for the mains and ordered a selection of starters which were very very tasty. We would certainly go back. Ok so the waiter sometimes didn't understand us We think he was french so he got some of the order wrong and the starter plates were stone cold they really should be warm but as I said previously the food is very good. Also it has a buzzing atmosphere as there is music and dancing until the early hours. Try it.” Rating: — Bunny28, London (31 Jan 2011)

“I came across Mustik a few weeks ago myself. I'd never really spent much time in Moorgate but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of food I found there - well, the food I found in Mustik to be more exact. It was beautiful and their cocktails are to die for. I'm not in Moorgate very often but I will make a conscious effort to go there a lot more regularly from now on.” Rating: — Jane, Dalston (19 Sep 2010)

“The new decor is very pleasant and relaxing. Staff are very friendly and the food menu is very varied. It mixes caribbean style with the british cusine and i must say i thoroughly enjoyed the meal. The only issue i had with my 2 visits to the restaurant was what was being shown on the flat screen TV which i happened to be facing. A wildlife programme and when i asked if it could be changed i was advised that was the only channel they had. Needless to say on my second visit i made sure the flat screen was not in view. Not something you want to be watching whilst eating!” Rating: — Ms Aidoo, Surrey (23 Aug 2010)

“The food was beautifully presented so we kept sneaking looks at what the other tables had ordered. Fantastic food, oxtail, stew fish, nice salads, variety of caribbean deserts All combined with good service and a nice atmosphere. We'll definitely be going back.” Rating: — T, London (13 Aug 2010)

“I've recently been to Mustik with a couple of friends and thought that the place definitely deserved a great deal of credit! Located just a stone's throw away from the heart of the City it was a great retreat from the usual hustle and bustle. There were plenty of cosy seating areas perfectly suited for our get together and (impressively for a City bar) there is ample place outside. I have to give special credit to the food - an amazing mix of Caribbean treats with delicious sauces which was such a welcome change from the usual nibbles in the surrounding places. Make sure you take your time to go through the menu and you will not be disappointed! The drinks were great too - we stuck to the cocktails but even the wine/lager lovers will be spoilt for choice there! The staff were very friendly and attentive with perfectly seamless service. All in all we had a great night and I am now a huge fan of this place - you absolutely HAVE TO try Mustik for yourself and you will never regret it!” Rating: — Andrew, London (12 Jul 2010)

“We had a dinner on Friday night with a group of friends at Mustik, which is a recently opened Caribbean-inspired City oasis. It is well located, atmospheric and offers a diverse menu at good value. The venue creates a warm, opulent dining environment - the staff was excellent and very attentive. It is a pleasant surprise that after the dinner Mustik welcomes you to the world of best house beats downstairs at the club. Whether dancing till dawn to the sounds of the club’s residentDJ or simply relaxing at your table, you are sure to spend an unforgettable nightcatered by the unsurpassed service from a team of professional staff. Thoroughly recommend it!” Rating: — Ana, London (12 Jul 2010)

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