Part of super-chef Jason Atherton's The Social Eating House, The Blind Pig is an upmarket first floor drinking den concealed next to the restaurant, below an old optician's sign. Can it really be a speakeasy? I went to find out.
The Venue
Push through the front door with a gilt pig's head on (the first of many), hop up a flight of stairs and stroll straight through to an opulent yet quirky bar. From the spacious green leather booths to the low, dark wooden ceilings, the place is filled with luxury. Eclectic artwork adorns the walls and a copper bar top adds a touch of eccentricity.
Smart and sophisticated, this bar really oozes charm and character.
The Atmosphere and Clientele
Cosy and intimate, this is the perfect haven for a date as well as somewhere to retreat for after work drinks. Metal panelled windows look onto the hustle and bustle of the Soho crowd below and low-lit vintage light bulbs provide charm and warmth. Waiters wearing braces and sporting beards move about providing understated but attentive service. Expect to see a trendy media crowd but because of the Michelin starred restaurant below, the clientele are a mixed bunch.
With quirky wall art and plenty of seating, The Bling Pig really catches the eye.
The Food and Drinks
I opted for a ‘Sidecar Named Desire’ and yes, every cocktail is as delightfully named. With a pineapple rim, this is one of the most delicious cocktails I’ve tasted, and all for only £9. Liam, Assistant Bar Manager divulges, “cocktail garnishes are a signature of ours” and the ‘Bollywood Cocktail’ shaken with mango chutney and served with a poppadum is a prime example. The house wine is also reasonably priced at £17 a bottle, but let us get to heartier fare and their stellar bar food.
We opted for the pork belly sliders: soft pulled pork tossed in a BBQ sauce sandwiched in a light brioche bun. Up next, a light and fragrant salt-cod brandade with accompanying toasts and crisps for the scooping. They've really excelled themselves here, an inspired collection of small dishes, all at around £5.
Kick back and enjoy their cocktail menu, all while you munch on their stellar bar food.
Summary
Although the guys at The Blind Pig take their job very seriously, it’s their inventiveness and sense of humour that makes this bar a real winner in my eyes. I'd recommend grabbing a seat at the bar and gazing in awe at the dapper, uber-talented barmen as they shake up a storm.
