We're helping you get to know some of the biggest disruptors in London food and drink, from the rogue chefs and the tastemakers to the trendsetters and the hospitality history redefiners. Next up, we're joined by Kricket and SOMA's Will Rogers, who gives us the lowdown on the iconic Soho cocktail bar, and their forthcoming new opening.
Photo: Will
Rogers.
Tell us who you are and what you do.
My name is Will and I'm Head of Beverage for SOMA and Kricket. I oversee the entire beverage program, which includes curating and developing drink menus. I collaborate closely with our bar managers to curate the drink offering across all our sites. I get to drink great drinks and work with great people.
Tell us more about SOMA and why people should visit.
I would like to think we are a pretty serious bar but with a very approachable feel. It's a perfect spot for dates; we have our brilliant Soho regulars and, of course, some late-night revelry. A 3am license helps with that! From early doors, we play jazz, transitioning to a curated hip-hop playlist later in the evening. You can spend a whole night with us and feel it change like the seasons.
If anyone is ordering just one cocktail at SOMA, which one and why?
Mango - It's one of those great drinks that surprises you with each sip. A perfect blend of sweet and a little savoury.
SOMA's Mango combines Toki whisky, lacto fermented roasted green mango and Ancho Reyes Verde.
What can we expect from your upcoming Canary Wharf bar that we haven’t seen at the original Soho venue?
SOMA Canary Wharf brings the essence of Soho with its late-night license and stylish interiors designed by CAKE Architecture. But, it very much has its own identity with bespoke geometric light fixtures glowing yellow and red and a cosy burnt orange velvet snug. The menu showcases a few SOMA classics; however, most offerings are entirely new. A standout favourite is the Pomegranate, which features Haku vodka, chai, pomegranate, and a coconut rice foam made from cooked rice sourced from our neighbouring restaurant, Kricket.
What are your thoughts on the London bar scene and how SOMA fits in?
I think the London bar scene is currently one of the best in the world and I would like to think SOMA has played a part in that. Maybe I’m biased but I think Soho was waiting for something like SOMA and people have followed.
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