The original home to The Blitz Party and from the people behind Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings, the bar has ditched its old grandma-chic feel décor for a gorgeous new grown up look.
Ripped wallpaper and cocktails in tea cups have made way for chairs reupholstered with exotic prints and bold hand-painted wallpaper with giant red brushstrokes. Flamboyant to say the least, so much so it was quite the topic in the ladies’ toilet. Which, by the way, blends into the wallpaper and requires some pawing of the wall to get in to.
The B&H Group are well-known for their mixing abilities and now nestled in a corner seat it was time to peer by candle-light at which cocktail I’d be tempted with first.I noted the new menu had little known homemade ingredients such as Thai basil syrup; culinary techniques such as moss and pine ‘Highland’ spray; and intelligent twists on party classics such as the Popstar Martini with its passionfruit champagne jelly.
I started with the Rebourne Redux (London dry gin, elderflower, fresh lemon and raspberry, shaken and topped with Sicilian lemonade) which was deliciously refreshing and ideal drink to start the evening. That was followed by Love & Hate (bourbon stirred with port, muscavado and an artichoke bitter) which, for me, was an apt name given I love port but hate artichoke. A very strong taste was followed by a nice warming sensation on further swigs. I end up leaving the best ‘til last with the Fitzgerald (rose petal vodka shaken with bitters, fresh lime and pomegranate topped with bubbles) this was my favourite, so much so I had it three times (just to be sure).
Despite no longer reminding me of my nan’s living room the bar is very cosy; ideal for a few pre-dinner cocktails or the perfect place to end a night. The impeccable speed the bartenders prepares the cocktails in is worth highlighting – despite a full house the night I visited I never felt I was an arduous wait.
Need to Know:
Bourne and Hollingsworth
28 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia, W1T 1JF
5pm -12am Monday to Thursday and 5pm – 1am Friday and Saturday.
Cocktails are priced from £10
