Jewel

"I will certainly consider it a serious contender next time I am tasked with organising an evening out "

Added Wed 18 Feb 2009 by KimT

I admit that 7pm on a Tuesday evening is probably not the time that most people would wander into this bar but I was pleasantly surprised.

You enter into what is called The Bacchus Bar (there’s a huge statue of the Greek god watching over things) which is tastefully decorated and spacious – and contained a number of small groups of girls chatting happily. The bar staff were pleasant and there was no hint of the pretension that you expect when you look through the window from Maiden Lane. So far so good.

Just off to the right is the Long Bar which is a little darker than the other bars and slightly more intimate. There were a good few people already seated in this area – but there was plenty of space for more.

Up the stairs from the entrance Bacchus Bar is the Crystal Room – so called because in the centre is a large chandelier – occasionally lit by incongruous neon disco lights. Beyond the chandelier there was an impressive ceiling fresco – reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel. But hey, we weren’t there to stare at the ceiling. At the rear of the Crystal Room – up a few further steps – is the Velvet Room complete with sofa booths and enough space to accommodate probably around 20-30 people. All areas (apart from the Bacchus Room) are interlinked but available for private hire (a minimum spend applies) and it is also possible – probably a good idea on most evenings – to reserve tables or booths although we were told that reservations can be made relatively late. You can also set up a guest list which means your friends are guaranteed entry.

We slipped downstairs to take a look at Bar Blanca (which was closed) – so called because it has delicate white fittings without appearing too feminine – but this is an intimate club space with a good number of open seating areas, a sensible bar area alongside a dance floor and a DJ booth. There is music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays when often the 12 closing time is extended to 3am – there is a £5 entry charge after 9pm. We were told that at the weekend there had been a Ministry of Sound DJ and some dancers and that the previous week they had hosted an Asian Speed Dating evening. And it would make a fabulous venue for an office party or even serious birthday celebrations.

We settled in a booth in the Crystal Room and enjoyed the mellow funky club music and watching the interesting variety of different people coming into the bar – there were a fair few couples, there were pairs of girls obviously on the start of an evening out and one or two groups. There were a couple of out of towners but most people looked like Londoners to me. It was hard to assess the age range – but it certainly wasn’t too young. And no one appeared to have popped in after work – the dress style was strictly casual (wonder how it changes as the night wears on?).

My mojito was perfect – really fresh mint – although my friend’s Jewel in the Crown (passion fruit and melon liqueur, vodka, cranberry juice and fresh lemon) was less impressive. Happy hour here runs from 5pm to 8pm – and all cocktails are £3.95 (there’s a discount for wines and champagne) - which is lucky as both these cocktails would normally cost £8.20.

We didn’t have time to eat but the menu appeared to offer a good range of snacks and meals – including satay, baked brie, calamari, spring rolls, kebabs – all priced around £6 - as well as a few pizzas (£7.40-7.90), sandwiches (£7-8.50) and wraps. However, we were told that the best option was one of the sharing platters – a small one serving 7-10 people at £45 and a large (for 10-15) at £80. There were numerous vegetarian options.

I will likely pop in again – it is conveniently central – and it is a great place to start an evening on the town. And whilst it has a beautiful interior (better admired in daylight), it was pleasantly relaxed. And I liked that it wasn’t too busy or crowded so it was easy to either hang around one of the bars or to find a seat. It felt comfortable – and clearly lots of the other female groups who were happily chatting thought so too.

I will certainly consider it a serious contender next time I am tasked with organising an evening out for a group of friends or work colleagues. I would have liked to have stayed to see how the atmosphere changed as the evening wore on. Let me know?