I had a tight schedule while in London as I wanted to see so many bars. Obviously one has to shortlist in London as the choice is so vast. I wanted to go to Zetter Townhouse for a while since I heard good things about it. At first Tony Conigliaro has his fingers in it, which already says a lot. Tony used to work at the famous Roka restaurant and its Shochu Lounge and now opened his own bar; 69 Colebrooke Row, which is another must see in London. Secondly Zetter Townhouse has a very lovely interior. Full of details that sends you back in time.
Cocktail Lounge
A log fire place, old wooden floors and carpets, paintings, photographs with magnificent frames, lamps, old chairs and sofas, curtains etc. Everything fits perfectly together. All in an old fashioned rose tone. Even the walls look like the designer used fabrics but its actually not, it is an interesting pattern that makes the wall look like a fabric. When you walk in through the white door you feel like you walk into somebody’s home or better an Earls country house. You instantly feel very comfortable and cosy with the warm lighting and colours. I chose to sit at the bar which is rather small. It only offers seats for around 4 people. I instantly knew I would be in good hands. Three bartenders were working that night. Maxwell kept me entertained with all things bar. A very friendly and talkative host who, if I heard correctly, will go and work for Dave Arnold in New York. It will be a loss for the place since I felt in very good hands. He recommended me the Priory Sour from the well thought through cocktail menu which offers 12 house cocktails. Put together with Beurre noisette infused whisky, lemon juice, malted barley and sugar.
Priory Sour
A refreshing sour with a pleasant hint of barley flavour. Very pleasant and easy to drink. Water service arrives promptly at your table and the doilies are old fashioned but elegant with the initials of Zetter Townhouse. A sophisticated touch! The back bar is rather small so it houses a selective spirit selection. All you need though and I am sure they have plenty of each to refill. Rock n’ Roll plays in the background which gives a contrast to the elegant, vintage interior. It was time to order another drink. Slightly more classic this time. I heard Maxwell raving about the Levante drink on the menu, so the choice was easy. I had to know what is behind that composition. Beefeater gin, saffron cordial, Amontillado sherry and paprika tincture. A well composed symbiosis of light saffron flavours, juniper berry and fine sherry notes. The bar was not full on a Saturday night which I found surprising, then again I was there around 8.00 pm, so it was rather early. To finish off the evening in that bar I thought all good things come in threes and I ordered one last cocktail called “Master at arms”. Myers rum and port evaporation with homemade grenadine. Very simple composition with a dark ruby colour. It had a dry sweetness to it I was looking for a deal closer but had the feeling that in the end it came across a touch too sweet on the palate. All in a all a very pleasant evening and I can imagine if you go with a group and you enjoy lively discussions with excellent cocktails on one of the sofas it could easily become one of your favourites. Live music would be big plus in this place. I was off to 69 Colebrooke row but would definitely return to the Zetter townhouse.
Images © Zetter Townhouse
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