photo: Michael J. Fajardo
After a day at the office, one can often use a drink – especially with the way the markets have been behaving. If you're looking for somewhere to unwind before heading home, check out our list of Top After-Work spots from the 2009 London Eat, Drink, Stay, Play guide.
8 Hanway Pl., W1; 020-7907 1888
The “exquisite, edgy decor” and “Eastern-themed cocktails” are hallmarks of this Fitzrovia bar attached to Alan Yau’s Chinese restaurant, which is still “très chic” after all these years; if you can “fight your way past the bouncers”, you’ll enter an “underground heaven” where the “stylish crowd” (who keep “one eye on the nearest mirror”) drink “outrageously expensive”, yet “gorgeous”, cocktails and create an “extraordinary buzz”; it’s all a “delightfully sinful” – if “achingly expensive” – experience.
145 Fleet St., EC4; 020-7353 6170
“Yes, it’s full of tourists”, as well as lawyers, accountants and investment bankers enjoying inexpensive after-work pints ferried by “friendly bartenders”, but this ancient Blackfriars “historical” “time warp” “genuinely deserves the attention”; its labyrinth of “cavernous” rooms, “low-ceilinged” “nooks” (“if you’re over 6-ft. tall”, watch out!) and “blazing fires” in winter gives it an “olde-worlde feel”, and the “food is surprisingly good” too (“try the pies”).
47 Villiers St., WC2; 020-7930 1408
The “good” vins come with “a history lesson” when you visit this “dark” 1890 wine cave in Piccadilly still featuring a “marvelously atmospheric” setting with brick-lined walls, “low ceilings”, “wonky furniture” and lots of “nooks and crannies”; there’s always a “heavy hum of conversation” – perhaps because the joint’s usually “crowded.”
19 Greville St., EC1; 020-7404 0333
Those whose tickers race faster for this Farringdon gastropub claim it’s “the most romantic spot in the city”, whilst others brand it a “good honest boozer”, emitting “old-school appeal”, that’s about “as pubby as it gets”; all agree the food’s “great” and the service “accommodating”, adding up to a perfect venue for dinner à deux or for “meeting up with friends.”
44-46 Cranbourn St., WC2; 020-7734 7807
Discover “hidden treasure amongst all the Leicester Square tourist traps” in the form of this “wonderful” wine bar touted by fans as one of “London’s best” on account of its deep 300-label selection; no surprise, it’s packed “wall-to-wall” most of the time, but pros propose patience, and if you can get a seat, it’s just the spot to “read the papers whilst nursing a glass.”
For more London Nightlife Top Lists, click here.