Leanne Kelsall escapes to a different era at the Bloomsbury Club Bar; London’s new bolthole inspired by the golden age of cocktails
In the heart of literary Bloomsbury, moments from tourist-flooded Tottenham Court Road is a beautiful new bar that you probably didn’t even know was there.
Tucked away beneath the Grade II listed Bloomsbury Hotel and its restaurant (Dalloway Terrace), the Bloomsbury Club Bar offers a glimpse into the golden age of cocktails. It’s a secluded escape from London’s busiest shopping street.
In keeping with the rest of the hotel and its historical surroundings, the décor and cocktail offering are themed around the notorious Bloomsbury Set.
Split into two areas, this hidden-away-haven opens daily 4pm till late and serves an eclectic mix of beverages – spanning timeless classics and modern creations.
The indoor space boasts a sleek 20s style design with dark wood, red leather banquette seating and a bar displaying rare and vintage liquors. Artwork and books synonymous with the Bloomsbury Set line the walls. It’s the sort of place that the writers themselves would’ve met to discuss their affairs over a Scotch or two.
Step outside and you’ll discover an enchanting grotto, with low ceilings, exposed brickwork, candles and fairy lights. The terrace, with its plush booth seating, is ideal for cosy evenings of cocktails and conversation.
The Set-inspired drinks menu includes original mixes named after the infamous writers. My favourite was the ‘Virginia Woolf’ – a mouthwatering sweet and sour concoction including No. 3 gin, lemon juice, homemade raspberry shrub, Cochi Americano and egg white.
There is also time-honoured classics to enjoy, like ‘The Blood and Sand’, a bold mix of Macallan Gold, Cherry Heering, Antica Formula vermouth, orange juice and orange bitters and the tangy ‘Mary Pickford’, with Havana 3yr rum, pineapple juice, Chambord and Luxardo Maraschino liqueur.
The spirit collection offers over 60 different whiskies from around the world, as well as an array of liqueurs, aperitifs and craft ales.
The Bloomsbury Club Bar also hosts a cigar menu with drink pairings, provided by world-renowned importers, Hunters and Frankau.
If you’re feeling peckish, don’t miss the ‘Club Bites’, where, like us, you can tuck into a succulent charcuterie board amongst many other mini nibbles.
A highly luxurious and seductive setting, the Bloomsbury Club Bar is the perfect spot for long summer evenings and romantic autumn nights alike.
The Bloomsbury Club Bar – Where and How?
The Bloomsbury Club Bar is located underneath The Bloomsbury Hotel, 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN. For more information visit www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-bloomsbury-hotel/dining or call 0207 347 1222.
You must be logged in to post a comment.