Be At One on Wimpole Street, just a couple of minutes from Oxford Street, is the perfect location for an after-work tipple or a few drinks before hitting the dancefloor.
The Venue:
The bar has a very classic, understated look, with parquet flooring, leather banquettes, marble pillars, exposed brickwork and even a chandelier! An old-fashioned looking wooden bar hints at the craftsmanship that goes on behind it. It may seem crowded as you enter, but people tend to congregate at the front of the bar, and there's plenty of room at the back as well as another bar downstairs.
Be At One is the perfect platform to launch into a big night on the town.
The Atmosphere and Clientele
Pop in any given evening and you'll find this place is buzzing! Young professionals unwinding after work, old friends catching up, and groups of parties all contribute to an exciting, almost bouncing vibe. The two-for-one offer may have helped somewhat with that….
Pull up a pew and let these chaps shake, rattle and stir you something damn tasty.
The Food and Drink
Be At One is serious about cocktails. A bewilderingly huge choice of classics and bespoke ones greet you in the cocktail menu, helpfully categorised by base spirit. If you need help, the friendly and knowledgeable staff will gently guide you. An added bonus is that, despite the number of cocktails the bar staff churn out, they are made really quickly, and taste none the worse for that. An English Fizz, made with gin and elderflower liqueur, was a very refreshing summer drink; a bit Mojito-esque and packing a real punch. The Passionfruit Magarita might sound like it could be too sweet, but was very subtly flavoured, and the passionfruit really gave it a lift. Be warned though, it’s dangerously moreish.
How a cocktail bar makes a classic cocktail is always a good guide to quality, so we tried the Singapore Sling, which was lovely and pineappley, and the Martinez, which apparently proved so popular on the seasonal menu at Christmas that it was brought back as a permanent fixture. Made with the dry vermouth Cocchi, it has a very complex, sophisticated but delicious flavour. Should you feel hunger pangs after knocking back a few of the cocktails, don’t despair – there’s a gourmet hot dog station right there at the back.
Watch out for those Cuban Zombies; they'll get ya!
Summary
With its near-perfect location, generous size, cheap but well-made cocktails and super-friendly and efficient staff, Be At One on Wimpole Street is a great choice in the West End.
