A decade ago, brothers Max and Noel Venning opened Three Sheets: a sleek, understated cocktail bar on Kingsland Road in Dalston that’s become one of the leading flag bearers for the capital’s bar scene. “We’ve been doing this for 10 years now – it’s been a ride,” Max tells Broadsheet.
It’s one of the capital’s best drinking spots for its sharp, precise approach to cocktails, including its signature French 75: a carbonated take on the drink that swooshes together gin, lemon, moscato and orange flower – and has frequently been ranked among the best in the world (it’s currently 73 in the World’s 50 Best Bars list). In 2024 the Vennings opened Three Sheets Soho, where visitors can sip its outstanding dirty Martini or Sazzaquack alongside snacks by chef Ethan Pack. And in November, the pair will tick all our bar must-haves when it launches Berryman’s, an oyster, wine and Martini bar a couple of doors down from the original Three Sheets.
To mark 10 years of Three Sheets, Broadsheet asked Max his top spots around London – from where he drinks Martinis to the drink he pairs with a takeaway and more.
Hi Max! What’s exciting you about London’s bar scene at the moment?
We’re lucky in London to have a really open guest profile. People are willing to try whatever you put in front of them, and that means there’s a lot of variety in bars. It allows us to have fun with the ingredients we use and the drinks we make.
Aside from your own bars, where do you head for a great drink?
It depends on what I’m looking for: for a glass of wine I’ll go to The 10 Cases; for a Martini, The Connaught; or if I want something more local I’ll head to Waltz in Shoreditch.
What bars in Dalston and its surrounds do you love?
We’re spoilt for choice: Satan’s Whiskers is ‘round the corner, as well as Discount Suit Company. Both [have] a great vibe and delicious classic cocktails. Waltz, as mentioned. For a glass of wine I’ll head to Hector’s; Jimmy [Stephenson] who owns the place is a top bloke, so it’s always great to see him, and his wine choices are impeccable.
Describe your perfect date night
Just before Christmas every year, my wife and I will do our favourite date route, which I would recommend to anyone: late afternoon champagne and some snacks at Noble Rot Lamb’s Conduit, on to Scarfes bar for another drink or two to listen to the live music, and then to Quality Wines in Farringdon, where Nick [Bramham]’s food is second to none in the city.
What’s your go-to takeaway order, and what drink would you pair with it?
If we do order a takeaway we’d likely get Plaza Khao Gaeng Thai, and we’ll either go with a slightly chilled brouilly or a couple of beers.
Where do you go for coffee?
In Dalston I’ll go to Batch Baby, and in Soho I like Omotesando Koffee.
Where do you take out of towners?
I think if you’ve got a big group, it’s hard to beat St John Smithfield or Bouchon Racine. It’s much better to go to both with a group, as you can work through the menu.
What’s a hidden gem more Londoners should know about?
We’re lucky to be in a city where you can still find some gems; I wouldn't want to give them all away. The Seven Stars in Holborn is a great pub to sit and relax, and people-watch. Babsang in Dalston is a great spot for Korean food. Some tteokbokki and a Hite beer always hit the spot.
What’s your bucket list bar?
It’s long gone now, but the bar at the Nomad New York was my great white buffalo. Everything about it was perfect.
