Molly Mcs Irish Singing Pub Review
Molly Mcs is a traditional Irish singing pub set in the heart of waterloo, London. There’s lovely cocktails, tasty Thai food, karaoke rooms to sing your heart outs, and traditional live music. What’s not to love?
Molly Mcs is bought to us from the team behind Mc & Sons in Borough and Vauxhall. Irish brothers Johnny and Ryan Elhinney have named their newest venture in honour of their grandmother, Mary (Molly) Mc Elhinney. It’s clear to see how much family means to Johnny and Ryan as the karaoke rooms are also named after someone or something important to them including their grandma, dad, their grandmother’s best friends (the Guinan sisters) and their dad’s bar.
Values of family are not just strong in the choice of names, but also in the decor. There’s vintage pieces and memorabilia relating to Molly and her legacy. In Jack’s karaoke room there’s family pictures on the walls while the salvaged wallpaper and wood panelling in Guinan’s room is inspired by the Guinan sister’s house. The snug and snugged provide smaller spaces, while the outdoor terrace will be lovely on warm evenings. We loved the homely feel with all the kick-knacks.
In keeping with the Irish theme, the cocktail list is based around Irish spirits, like the Old Fashioned with Jameson Black Barrel Whiskey. To start we had to try Molly’s Sour (£13), which showcases once again the love of family in the name. This is comprised of Leonor Palo Cortado Sherry, lemon, egg white and sugar. Due to the sherry it has hints of hazelnut, almonds and orange, and balances the sweet and sour well. Our second drink was George’s Margarita (£13). Mad March Hare Poitin, Bols Triple Sec, Aagve syrup and fresh lime. Mad March Hare Poitin is made from local malted barley, distilled three times in small copper stills, and uses Irish spring water which gives it a smooth finish. The citrus notes also complement the tequila and lime. Even though I stay up late after I’ve had an expresso martini, I just can’t resist them. This Irish Espresso Martini (£13) is made using Muff vodka, Mr Black, coffee and sugar. Muff’s vodka is made from Irish potatoes and brings the taste of vanilla to the cocktail. It was rich, creamy and delicious.
The food menu is Irish-Thai inspired. We recommended trying ‘Molly’s Spicebag’ (£13). This was chicken and chips with a difference as it’s a mix of popcorn chicken, chips, hot peppers, spring onion and curry sauce. Served in a brown paper bag, it’s finger licking good. Perfect pub food!
We also shared the Mc & Sons beef curry with crispy roti bread (£17). Having the Southern Thai braised beef slow cooked for 2.5 hours made it so tender. We loved the loud crunch as we sliced into the roti!
Other mains on the menu include tamarind duck and rice (£20), black mussels in coconut cream & lemongrass with fried bao bun (£17), prawn pad Thai (£17), chicken and prawn drunken noodles (£17), Molly’s friend rice (£15) and Kiew Wann Chicken green curry (£16). For a lighter bite there’s prawn crackers, popcorn lemongrass chicken, prawn fritters with spicy mayo, aubergine bites with sweet tamarind sauce, angel chicken wings with garlic and chilli, and vegetable spring rolls.
We were there on opening night and enjoyed the excellent music. It was easy listening whilst having a chat and at times we simply sat listening to thethree piece band who performed a mix of instrumental and vocal songs. Live musicians play Thursday, Friday & Saturdays from 7ish. If you want to make your own music, karaoke starts from £8pp of peak.
Within easy walking distance of Waterloo and Southwark, dinner and drinks at Molly Mcs was a lovely way to spend a warm spring evening.
Address: 96 Isabella Street, London, SE1 8DD.
Website: https://www.mollymcs.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollymcssingingpub
Phone: 020 7928 0678
Written by Caitlin Neal
