The Old Bengal Bar is a beautifully designed lounge bar with a terrace, divine cocktails and remarkable history. If the brick walls could talk in this stunning converted warehouse they would tell vivid tales about the East India Company in 1771, who used to store goods in the premises.
The venue
An 18th century warehouse has been redecorated and set to sail as a quartet of classy and cool representatives of gourmet hospitality; a fish restaurant, premium wine shop, steakhouse and the Old Bengal bar. We found the bars majestic gates at the end of a cobbled alleyway and were instantly impressed by the stature of the building and the attentive waiting staff.
Internally the bar was pretty dark with just enough glow projected from the dimmed ceiling lamps and many candles. The mood reminded us of a romantic speakeasy; bartenders in elegant vests and ties, prohibition styled cocktail apparatus and exposed brickwork. The composition hits the spot with more modern looking sofas in vivid turquoise and pink and with a completely mirrored wall (hiding the toilets).
The Bengal Warehouses heritage also plays a part with waitresses in oriental dresses and two large paintings on the wall depicting imaginary East India Company officers - made by Hoxton Art Gallerys Nadine Mahoney.
For our last drink, we took to the large secluded terrace with strong heated lamps and comfortable sofas for stargazing and pinching some fresh air.
Atmosphere and Clientele
The Old Bengal bar had a very sophisticated yet cosy atmosphere, unbeatable for dates or meeting up with friends who wouldnt settle for anything but the next best thing. The sound bed of casual chit chat, rattling and crushing of ice keeps the bar lively without ever getting rowdy. Naturally, we were surrounded by the chicest young City workers who probably popped down after work and stayed until late.
The gorgeous interior of Old Bengal Bar in London
Food and drinks
If you think you are the most passionate cocktail lover in the world you havent met Old Bengal Bars manager Milos Popovic and his stable of award-winning bartenders. From the delicious Bloody Mary infused with a bite of spice to the handcrafted ice-ball in the signature Negroni, the drinks scored homerun after homerun in taste, originality and easiness-on-the-eye. The marvellous marble bar also serves premium wine, bottled beers and spirits a plenty. We revelled in their British cuisine, trying the scotch egg, angus beef burger and brownies which were all cooked to perfection in both taste and consistency.
Summary
The drinks and food prices are pretty expensive, especially after the service charge is added, but the quality of what they serve, the magnificent venue and the attentive service justifies it. The Old Bengal bar is certainly going to be one of our favourite City bars.
