Anise bar review: Indian eatery Cinnamon Kitchen's revamped and relaunched cocktail bar, near Liverpool Street station

The scene As such, the space is genuinely relaxing, perfect for unwinding after a tough day: the low, purple lighting and unintrusive piano music might not be particularly trendy, and only just manages ‘mock-sophisticated’, but it’s soothing without straying too far into spa territory.

The grub Indian twists on uniform bar snacks: think Punjabi fish fingers.

We plump for the fiery chicken wings (gloriously fried and accented with sprinkles of fennel) and chicken tikka nanza – essentially a pizza, but with a naan bread base and sweet red pepper sauce slathered on top. Prices range between £4-8.
 
Behind the bar Cocktails come with hints of the subcontinent – we lap up the Calcutta cuppa, a blend of gin, Assam tea, fresh lemon and mango chutney, and the almond and pistachio sour, mixed from bourbon, amaretto, fresh lemon, pistachio and egg white.

Both are sweet without bordering on cloying. Beers include Cobra, Tiger, Meantime London Lager and Meantime London Stout.

Bill please Cocktails from £7.50; beers from £3.75; wine from £3.80 per glass.

Verdict Duck in for a quiet catch-up and experiment with the drinks list.

9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL 
http://www.cinnamon-kitchen.com/anise 
Tube | Liverpool Street