Shrub and Shutter Any bar that has ‘and’ in the middle of its name is always going to have connotations of a big traditional boozer, or one of its modern, trendier incarnations. Rose and Crown, Slug and Lettuce… you get my drift. So, it was a surprise to find the Shrub and Shutter is none […]
Draft House
The Draft House, Clapham Of course, as you might expect from people dedicated to bars, cocktails are our thing. Beer has been a bit of a mystery to us… especially those real ales beloved of your original beardy CAMRA types who proudly sported the hirsute look long before hipsters stole their whole vibe. But when […]
Hixter Bar Bankside
Hixter Bar, Bankside Now the Hixter bar in Southwark is good for lots of reasons. It’s stylish, chic, dark, sexy and it’s got a large sunken bar with low bar stools around it that make you feel the size of a giant and the bar staff the size of Oompa Loompas (although they’re much better […]
Trailer Happiness
Trailer Happiness Trailer Happiness has been winning many happy fans ever since it opened its doors in Portobello Road. You can see easily see why. To start with the staff and owners are so friendly and laid back you feel you’ve stepped into a support group rather than a bar. Albeit one with its own […]
Champagne Bar at the Royal Opera House
Champagne Bar at the Royal Opera House In that 1980s ode to excess that is Pretty Woman, Richard Gere’s character, before taking prostitute-with-a-heart-of-gold Vivienne to the Opera, spins her some line about people either loving or hating the Opera the first time they see it. Fair enough, you just better hope your first opera isn’t […]
Searcys Champagne Bar
Searcy’s Champagne Bar – St Pancras International Station – What better way to prepare yourself for a trip to Paris than taking on board a few glasses of champagne? And what better place to do that than the stunningly appointed Searcy’s champagne bar? Occupying a prime position overlooking the grandly refurbished St Pancras International Station […]
Getting Mist on Gin
From metal mickey to getting mist on gin Today I was accosted by one of those annoying banner ads that we all suffer in return for the wonder of the Internet. It proclaimed the delights of Royal Caribbean Cruises, and in particular their latest innovation, the robotic barman. Imagine… your drinks served by a faultless […]
Powder Keg Diplomacy
Powder Keg Diplomacy – They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But they didn’t take into account the poor souls who haven’t managed to drag themselves up in time for it. And that’s quite a lot of us come the weekend. So, step forward brunch, the most important meal of the […]
The Lucky Pig
The Lucky Pig What do I think of cocktails that are served in Jam Jars? Well, I think they’re worth preserving. Boom, boom, thank you, I’ll be here all night… Actually, I could be here all night, because this is just the kind of bar that ticks all the boxes for me as one of […]
Dandelyan
No whines about Dandelyan at the Mondrian. – After a thoroughly enjoyable and educational Nikka whiskey club tasting at Vinopolis I decided to wend my slightly wobbly way along the Southbank towards Waterloo. As I passed the newly refurbished Sea Containers House my eyes were drawn to a beautifully stylish bar basking in full view […]