This cosy bar, inspired by mischievous Londoners, is the perfect spot for a cocktail or three.
The Bloomsbury Club bar was inspired by the notorious Bloomsbury Set, famously comprising of writers and artists like Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster, who were known for their unconventional behaviour. They lived in the garden squares of Bloomsbury in the early 20th century, and all shared the same spirit of rebellion. With common views about life and love, they were all tangled up in relationships and affairs with one another. (Photo: @londonsourced)
In honour of their memory, the Bloomsbury Club have created a list of truly excellent cocktails – and they’re almost as unconventional as the people who inspired them. Named after members of the Bloomsbury Set, the drinks are displayed on the menu as a sort of twisted family tree – but rather than showing who was related to whom, it tells you who they were all sleeping with. Juicy.
The Adrian Stephen (married to Karin Stephen, sleeping with Duncan Grant), made with bourbon, coffee-infused Genepi, Amaro CioCiaro, maple syrup and clementine dust sounds particularly nice. As does the Ralph Partridge (married to Dora Carrington and 100% faithful), which is made with gin, green Chartreuse, lemon juice, honey syrup, hibiscus and tonic.
Stick around for some nibbles to soak up the booze, and choose from the likes of Buttermilk Fried Chicken with aioli, Dorset Crab on Toast with watercress and apple, and Black Truffle Sausage Rolls with tomato relish.
There’s also live jazz every Thursday, Friday and Saturday and you can find out who’s playing here.
Location: 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN. Nearest station: Tottenham Court Road. See it on Google Maps.
Date: Monday to Saturday, 5pm–1am. Sunday, 5pm–midnight.
Price: Cocktails will set you back somewhere between £10 and £14. Bar snacks cost between £5 and £15.
More info: on The Bloomsbury Club website.