La Perla

Lovers of Tequila will be in heaven at this basement bar. The drinks menu is a real lesson in what can be done with a beverage commonly drunk in shots with inebriation as the aim, but there is actually so much more to tequila than this. La Perla has a real connoisseur selection of different maturities and brands.

For those who prefer a sweeter drink the tequila based cocktails are varied and interesting; the Vanilla Margarita has vanilla infused tequila, triple sec and lemon juice, the ‘Ocho’ cocktails blend tequila with grapefruit juice and blueberry liqueur. Food is available at the bar too; tasty yet unhealthy treats such as fried calamari, prawns in tempura and nachos with spicy chorizo and pepper are on offer here.

Head to the dining area for a surprisingly wholesome meal; the fajitas here are not the Western take on Mexican food, i.e. a wrap with some grated Cheddar and salsa. The waiter brought us a large frying pan and placed it on a stool next to our table, the pan contained pieces of lamb, peppers, onions and mushrooms which had been chargrilled in a peppery sauce with just a hint of Tabasco. Our wraps were delivered warm in a box which reminded me of ordering pancakes in a Chinese restaurant. Delicious.

With three branches in London as well as in Paris, and a host of postcards, leaflets and catalogues advertising it’s contents La Perla is certainly trying hard, and to give credit where its due what’s on offer here is very good indeed. However perhaps due to its central location and attraction of cheap food and alcohol, Friday nights in particular can feel a bit too rowdy and drunken. There are inevitably the ‘let’s start the night by doing loads of shots’ collectives, and the tables and chairs have that sticky pub feel to them. With a bit more effort this place could be as glamorous as its Charlotte Street neighbours, but without the irritating airs and graces.