Shake Town Milkshake Bar

One of the newer additions to Barnet’s growing cosmopolitan population of shops and outlets is this little milkshake and smoothie bar. Perched on the corner of Barnet hill opposite High Barnet tube station this unit has previously been occupied by a curiosity shop, a vacuum cleaner shop and a flower nursery. Today it stands out in bright fluorescent colours attracting school children and the young at heart to indulge in huge calories in combinations of ice cream, cream and yogurt blended with chocolate bars, sweet, breakfast cereals and sugar products. The staff are approachable and friendly but the place feels more like a takeaway venue than a typical bar. The tall stools around the parameter of the shop are uncomfortable and unstable. There is no music but  sky TV overhead playing reruns of the hills and littered on the walls are post-it notes scrawled on by school children.

Overall this milkshake bar is a nice addition to the Barnet nightlife, with easy access from the station, unfortunately enticing customers in is not an invitation to stay since the seating is not practical - 6/10

The pubs in Barnet have an incredible heritage, highlighted in Richard Selby’s recent book about Barnet pubs. I have to say this is one of the best books on the history of Barnet and well worth a read.