Shankeys is an intimate Indian and Irish restaurant at 221 Well Street in Hackney. After beginning as a successful pop up in 2022, it established a permanent home in a former betting shop. The compact, candlelit dining room serves a short changing menu inspired by the owners’ childhoods and family recipes, creating an experience that feels personal and lively.
Small plates bring the two culinary traditions together through spice, dairy, seafood and careful comfort cooking. Crisp potatoes can arrive with scallion ghee or chaat seasoning, while cauliflower curry is paired with cheese filled paratha. Carlingford oysters, Cornish crab and sour mango pickle show how Irish produce can meet the sharper, aromatic elements of Indian food.
Larger dishes change with the seasons and can include slow cooked lamb with tamarind, sour plum, cumin or bone marrow broth. The kitchen favours generous sauces and textures designed for sharing, with vegetables treated as seriously as meat and fish. A concise menu allows each plate to carry a distinct idea rather than repeating the same formula across many choices.
Drinks continue the conversation between India and Ireland. Poitín, whiskey, tea, butter and spice appear in playful cocktails, supported by a carefully chosen wine and beer list. Gulab jamun with fruit, custard or caramelised elements offers a suitably rich finish. Shankeys combines technical cooking with the easy atmosphere of a neighbourhood gathering on Well Street.
Address: 221 Well Street, Hackney, London E9 6RG, United Kingdom
Been to Shankeys? Be one of the first to rate it.
+ Log your visit