Juvi G.
Yelp
I have had to use the word "swanky" for quite a lot of places in London, but I almost wish I hadn't because none of those places even come close to this level of pure, unadulterated swankiness. The bar is actually located inside one of London's fanciest- and most expensive- hotels, located smack-dab in the middle of Soho. It's practically a stone's throw from all of the theatres, so it's the perfect place to grab a drink after your musical; provided you're willing to pay as much for said drink as you did for your theatre ticket. Nice as it is, I've actually never had a problem finding a seat right away during peak times in the evenings during the Holiday Season. Hopefully it will remain our little secret so we can keep it that way.
If you're visiting during Christmastime, congratulations! You are about to walk into one of the world's most gorgeous and festive- yet intimate- hotel lobbies. The doorman will show you in to the bar area, so just tell him you're popping in for a drink at the bar. No queues or waiting lists here. Make sure to have your camera ready to snag some jealousy-inducing pics. Once inside the bar, you'll have stepped into a world of 5-star service, and unforgettable drinks. The wait staff are incredibly attentive and will treat you like royalty, while the cushiony couches and dim lighting will make you feel exclusive and comfortable, at the same time.
What really makes this bar unique is the creative ideas behind everything that they do. When I walked in, I immediately noticed the scent of Creed Aventus, one of the world's leading perfume experts permeating the entire area. Sure enough, the Creed logo was all over the walls and- much to my surprise- the cocktail menu. Yes, there is cologne essence in a few of their cocktails- as of 2021, anyway. Given that it's one of my favorite perfume brands, I tried 'The Legacy' cocktail, which is crafted with the iconic sensual notes of Creed Aventus, and has the distinctive notes of jasmine and cedar wood, with a Tanqueray 10 base. It sounds weird, but trust me, this is one hell of a cocktail. For the pièce de résistance, the server will bring a special little bubble gun that creates a giant bubble in your glass which has a scented mist that gives this cocktail its name. Is it pricey? Yes. Is it worth it? Also, yes.
The rest of their cocktail menu is also a work of art unto itself, and comes in the shape of the happiness molecule. On one side, you have the fruitier cocktails, while on the other you have the dark and richer cocktails, all of which I can attest to being at the top of their class with a special twist that will have you wanting to try more. Do be careful, though; these beauties are among the strongest cocktails I've ever tried.
To top it all off, they offer complimentary snacks that come on a scale. On one end, they usually serve salted peanuts, and on the other they have plain veggie crisps. They also have a few food items on the menu, but I wouldn't spend too much on food. There are plenty of restaurants nearby to indulge in. If you're on any kind of budget, save your pennies for the cocktails. They are beyond worth it.
