Parasol opens in Dalston, reimagining The Nest as a new cocktail and music bar

Parasol, a new cocktail bar in Dalston, has opened its doors at 36 Stoke Newington Road, transforming the former site of The Nest nightclub into a late-night destination for drinks and music. The venue has been created by hospitality figures Andy Kerr (founder of The Umbrella Project) and Tom Gibson, who previously launched the cult Stoke Newington bar Ruby’s, before opening Corrochio’s with Amy and Daniel Corrochio in May 2024 as well as North London Pub The Bluecoats. 

Parasol occupies a subterranean space that has been redesigned with influences from Mexico and Morocco, reflecting the founders’ experiences in those countries. The interior features reclaimed materials, including a bar top and lighting fixtures constructed from malting tiles, and seating made from hand-split oak. The design also incorporates handmade lighting, such as paper lampshades and Galician sconces, sourced from various locations.

The bar’s drinks menu offers a range of signature and reimagined classic cocktails, developed in collaboration with The Umbrella Workshop’s development lab. Among the house creations are the June Bug, which combines Takamaka Overproof Rum, Yellow Chartreuse, pineapple, banana, melon, coconut, and lime; the El Diablo Guapo, made with Quiquiriqui Mezcal, Palo Santo, tonka bean, blackberry, and ginger beer; and the Rude Cosmo, featuring Ocho Blanco Tequila, Savoia Orancio, lingonberry, lemon verbena, and lime. Other options include the French Martini and Umbrella Vesper, as well as more experimental drinks such as the Yuk Fu and Space Coyote.

In addition to cocktails, Parasol’s wine list has been curated by Provisions Wine & Cheese, focusing on low-intervention wines from small producers in Italy and France. Hugo Meyer Esquerré, who worked on this menu, commented: “It was fun to include in the list some of Andy’s old time favourites, from zingy and mineral Burgundy whites like Sextant Bourgogne Aligote, low extracted and juicy reds from Southern France such as Clos des Grillons ‘Calcaire’ and fun and accessible pet nats like the Bomba cuvée by Mas des Agrunelles in Languedoc.”

Music is a central feature at Parasol, with DJs playing selections inspired by the early 1980s New York disco scene. The bar aims to serve as a late-night hub for cocktails, music, and dancing in Dalston, as a community space in one of East London’s busiest nightlife districts.

Food Desk

For further information and reservations, visit Parasol’s website here.