If you are arranging a party for a large number of people in London you are spoiled for choice. Smaller parties however have to search a little bit harder to find that perfect venue, one that is quirky and cool and has just the right amount of space and atmosphere.
Here are five of them:
The Bloomsbury Club Bar – Great Russell Street, London WC1
Cosy booths are adorned with trailing ivy and strewn with fairy lights, as chandeliers sway from the beamed ceilings. A mix of contemporary and charming, this warm and welcoming bar includes a delightful little terrace space that is perfect for dusky evenings when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of London. Ideal for small groups, the bar has a comprehensive list of world-renowned wines and the food ranges from small bites to scrummy evening meals. www.thebloomsburyclub.com
THE BLOOMSBURY CLUB BAR
Ninetyeight Bar and Lounge - Curtain Road, London EC
A princess’s paradise, the ninetyeight lounge and bar has been voted the top cocktail bar in London and for good reason. Step inside this Victoriana wonderland of the weird and wonderful and relax on plush furnishings in rich creams, pinks, complete with zebra prints and gilt edging. Expect crazy décor with luxurious vintage fittings and bar staff that know their stuff. Order from the cocktail menu where you can sample concoctions such as the popular Candylife and Look out for the Moustache. The food is British and well-priced and you can hire the bar or the cool back room. www.ninetyeight-bar-lounge.co.uk
Blake’s – Peckham Rye, London SE
Hidden behind a bookcase in an unassuming London pub is Blake’s, a drinking den that pays homage to the decadence of the 1920’s. Accommodating around 20 people, as you enter you are immediately struck by the opulent furnishings, a mixture of velvet and leather chairs in sumptuous greens, purples and deep blues. The quirky hues continue with wooden panelled walls in teal, an exposed brick fireplace and stripped back flooring. Perfect for smaller private parties where you can help yourself to a bespoke cocktail or a local craft beer and decide whether to opt for one of their signature tasty burgers or a sharing platter. www.blakesbarpeckhamrye.co.uk
The Aviary Bar – Little Portland Street, London W1
With its cave-like interior and walled aquariums, this kooky little bar in the heart of London’s West End is positively subterranean. The golden light of the walls entice you in and is a stark contrast with the electric blue windows encasing a myriad of tropical fish. Cosy red booths sit under primary coloured lighting in blues, greens and reds and the whole place feels like an underground secret grotto. Well stocked with wines, cocktails, beers and spirits, the friendly staff make this place stand out. www.theaviarybar.com
Dandelyan – Upper Ground, London SE1
The colours and decor make this bar, with soft pink leather seating set against dark green wood panels, light golden beams across the ceiling and shining gold tables. Situated within the luxurious Mondrian Hotel with fantastic views of the Thames, cocktails are grouped into ‘hunter’, ‘gatherer’ and ‘shaman’. Using the freshest local produce, staff here don’t need much inspiration when it comes to creating simple but tasty food. www.dandelyanbar.com
