Barts

Unforgettable Cocktails and Hidden Gem Charm

To wander into Barts is to step into another world—one that gracefully treads the line between a raucous vintage living room and an elite speakeasy hidden amid Chelsea's refined air. Enter through its clandestine door, typically guarded with more zeal than Buckingham Palace, and you're immediately enveloped in a daring pastiche of antiques and curios. Inside, a jazzy hum cushions lively banter amidst the dark, intimate corners that offer as much warmth as they do rakish charm. Here, bartenders masquerade as taste-wise alchemists, teasing your palette with vibrantly curated cocktails bearing names you'd expect to find at an underground poker table. Alejandro’s prowess as a cocktail conjuror is matched only by his charismatic demeanor, ensuring each drink comes with a dash of dramatic flair.

Among London's phalanx of glittering drinking establishments, Barts grabs your attention with its old-world whimsy blended seamlessly with modern sophistication. Despite the occasionally dubious seating choices—think metallic chairs better suited for a trip to the Arctic— the allure refuses to wear off. It's a place so evocatively alive, even the odd hiccup, like lengthy waits attended by zealous door policies and less-than-precise reservations, does little to quell one's exuberance. The cocktails, priced somewhere between “will this mean frozen lasagna for dinner all week?” and “you’re only young once,” ensure you’re left contemplating another round. Anything beyond mere hedonism is aptly set aside by the friendly staff exhorting you to enjoy yourself; and they are impeccably versed in achieving this noble task. Whether you’re a dearly-recurring patron or a wide-eyed newbie stumbling through the concealed entrance for the first time, be sure—you’re in fine hands. — Penelope Savory