There once was an epic little bistro chilling above one of the coolest cocktail basements in London, until suddenly, there wasn't. Petit Pois was a bit of a legend of Hoxton Square until the curtain came down on the Parisian inspired exposed-brick dining room at the beginning of 2020. But then last Summer the curtain raised again to reveal something new: Ever After - a cool new cocktail bar and restaurant with a few chic nods to its predecessor, and it’s every bit as sweet as we'd have hoped for.

Ever After is on the right side of small (seating about 25 with space for more on the covered terrace out front). They've kept the exposed bricks (because why the f*ck wouldn't ya?), and added a bright blue and white bubble-tiled bar top that stretches down the length of the room, as well as low hanging, cascading planters. Slick but not try-hard. The cocktail menu is classic with a few modern upgrades. Kick things off with a Martini (batched, frozen, ready to pour - with an olive for us, thanks) before checking out what else they're rocking (FYI their hot take on a Milk Punch is worth your time).

Then comes the food, and the kitchen is obviously where the friendly ghost of Petit Pois happily lingers. A juicy, perfectly seasoned steak tartare is a must-order, with a side of their fluffy skin-on fries for dipping. Order two of the rich, saucy plates of halibut with celeriac and dill (too good to share) and throw in a bowl of Padron peppers for good measure (play Russian roulette to see who gets the spicy one), and you're golden. Obviously it’s all killer, but if you leave without trying the chocolate mousse (IYKYK) you’ve let yourself, and BarChick down. THAT is a PP legacy that remains for a reason.