London Cocktail Club, Goodge Street

I have wanted to visit the London Cocktail Club for a while; this cool bar is regularly named as a top ten cocktail joint in London, a reputation I felt I needed to investigate, being the cocktail junkie I am. The LCC doesn’t need to impress with a showy entrance: it is located down a small staircase, very discreet and only to be found by those ‘in the know’. The bar is lined with multicoloured bottles, each holding a unique spirit ready to be magically mixed.

We sat at a small table towards the front of the bar... it was relatively empty but there was still a great vibe helped by the awesome soundtrack of hits humming in the background. I was most surprised, and impressed with the reasonable prices... it costs around £7 for a cocktail, expertly designed by JJ Goodman (mixologist extraordinaire) and artistically concocted by the experienced barmen.

The menu is extensive with numerous outrageous combinations - I was almost persuaded to try the bacon flavoured drink, but eventually decided on the more girly ‘Brixton Riot’: Lychee, Martini, Cranberry & Peach puree are shaken before Wray & Nephew overproof rum is added and ignited to put fire on the dancefloor! The drink was, quite literally on fire, as you can see in the photo... the barmen here certainly like the attention, making the drinks is a performance.

My friends tried the more traditional French Martini, a stunning ruby red cocktail presented with a single bay leaf floating on top. All the drinks were divine, deliciously flavoured and wonderfully inventive. For the second round we ordered the Porn Star Martini’s and I asked for a specially made fresh passion fruit dacquiri, which our waiter was only too happy to concoct for me.

Just before leaving, we were offered tiny complimentary glasses of an exclusive cocktail, a very special shot that the barman refused to reveal the ingredients of! It was strong but tasty, the perfect exit palate refresher. I can’t wait to return to the London Cocktail Club to try out the rest of the exciting menu.

Visit the London Cocktail Club website here.