Generally sticking to the likes of Shoreditch and Peckham, I will admit that the City bar scene and I are not very well acquainted. A mix of coffee and meetings has been the extent of our relationship, until my curiosity took me to Patch East to check out a Thursday night in London's financial district.
The Venue and Atmosphere
Patch East is the brand's second cocktail bar (formerly Pause bar for those more in the hospitality know), offering some pretty decent happy hour deals for the lucky few who get off work at 4pm and need a drinking den to chill, eat, drink and dance in.
Head down the stairs past the wall of flamingos, towards the palm trees and into an eclectic getaway where a Japanese retreat, ski lodge or Miami-led space make up the selection of intervals in the venue. Whatever the occasion, each area is perfect for groups to book out for the evening. Arriving at just gone 7pm, the bar was packed with those keen on after work drinks, all making the most of the 2-4-1 cocktails and creating a lively atmosphere that continued throughout the night. For my partner-in-crime and I, we found a spot right by the DJ and dancefloor which proved for great entertainment as the night drew on; do however position yourself a little further from the speakers if you want to have a proper chat.
The new refurb at Patch East now lends the venue a flirty and fun edge.
The Food and Drink
Partial to a midweek glass of prosecco, Patch’s offering of prosecco topped cocktails called our names softly until we had tried and tested all four. First one up was the Porn Star Spritz: a sparkling and fruity mix of vanilla flavoured vodka, passion fruit liqueur & pressed pineapple juice (£12). The staff were all so friendly and attentive, making sure our drink choices were well informed. The favourite of the four prosecco cocktails had to be Bitter Sweet with a soft sharpness from the Aperol, gin and citrus mixed with the tart of fresh raspberries and sugar.
Food wise, Patch offers hearty sharing plates, with a choice of Tex-Mex, Thai and Indian. We opted for the 'Patch’s seasonal sharing platter' (£16.95) with Sweet Potato Fries, Chicken Strips, Breaded Shrimp, Hummus & Pitta, and Nachos. With the cocktails flowing, we didn’t want to stop the fiesta early, ordering some Chicken and Chorizo Quesadillas (£7) packed with oozing cheese and plenty of flavour, served with a generous helping of guacamole, sour cream and salsa. For two of us, we definitely had leftovers so I’d say this would be just enough for a group of four to share, especially when mixed with the cocktails.
The selection of cocktails at Patch East are accessible, fun and delicious.
Summary
As an underground City bar, the music is loud and the atmosphere lively, especially as happy hour rolls its way around. The kind of night you're looking for? Like us, you’ll stay for hours to sip on cocktails, nibble on platters and continue the party... until you remember that you have work the next day that is.
