EXPERIMENTAL COCKTAIL CLUB CHINATOWN
| Address | 13A Gerrard Street; London W1D 5PS by Macclesfield Street |
|---|---|
| Neighbourhood | Soho, Chinatown | See on map |
| Tube | Leicester Square [Northern, Piccadilly] |
| Telephone | +44 20 7434 3559 |
| Website | http://experimentalcocktailclublondon.com/ http://www.chinatownecc.com/ |
| Price | GBP 5 entry charge after 23:00. |
| Hours | Mon-Sat 18-03. |
Having conquered the French (and many would argue, the world) cocktail scene with a trio of Parisian bars, Romée de Goriainoff, Olivier Bon and Pierre-Charles Cros have crossed the channel to take on their latest challenge in London.
Bringing over their original venture, ‘The Experimental Cocktail Club’ to a seedily seductive Chinatown location (take a look at the website for a door-identification clue – you’ll need it), they’ve already won over hard-nosed Brits with their decrepitly designer interiors and a hard to come by late-license.
Spanning three floors and mixing the industrial with the ornate (check out the third floor bar made out of an old piano and the teapot lamps and flamingo wallpaper in the bathrooms), the location’s lack of signage and high-end prices keep the clientele on the elusive/exclusive side.
Drinks are culled partly from some of America’s best bars, partly from their own selection, and include nine new elixirs created especially for the new venue. At about £10 a pop they’re not as cheap as the neighbours’ dodgy stir fries, but with ingredients like goji liquer and cigar-infused bourbon floating the menu, you’ll be getting your money’s worth.
The largely French staff couldn’t be more charming – a problem when you’re asked to check out the three vintage numbers made with super-rare spirits and costing upwards of £120. There’s an experiment that’s bound to go horribly wrong.
