Carbon is an unusual bar set in the confines of the upmarket Cumberland Hotel. Don’t expect the usual high end glamour of such watering holes, instead you’ll be faced with an industrial-style ambience that somehow works.

The Venue
As soon as you walk into Carbon you’re faced with a large, airy bar that is almost daunting in its size. In one corner metal chains hang all around a set of tables - known as the Chain Room - which is a VIP section available for parties. In another corner is a set of more standard seating with simple tables and leather chairs, and throughout the middle of the floor are large benches with the biggest, heaviest stools you’ll have ever dared to move. Just be prepared to get the muscles working to sit down. The big feature of this main area is the central bar, with large words printed behind, such as ‘hazard’, ‘noise’, ‘sound’ and ‘beware’, to build on the industrial vibe of the bar.

Basically, it’s harsh with woods and gleaming metals - even the toilets carry on the metallic aura. Although not built for comfort, it does have a style all of its own and is a welcome change from the usual chandeliers, twinkling lights and delicate tables of the many other paint-by-numbers bars of the area, and in stark contrast to the art gallery vibe of the hotel.

Upstairs on a mezzanine level, a less harsh area stands, with comfortable seating and its own private bar. Across a small bridge-like walkway lies the DJ box, where the DJ kicks out cool sounds as the night progresses to the wee hours. This area is only available for private hire and VIPs and you can see why. Partying up here, looking at all the action below, creates a fun vibe where you can feel a part of the action whilst being separate from the throng below. Also, you’ll be the only ones who can ask for songs from the separated DJ. A class act.

The Atmosphere
Carbon could have so easily been a cold, harsh place. The seating isn’t comfortable, the decor is industrial, and the area can be a bit pretentious. However, it somehow manages to delicately step amongst all the pitfalls and trappings it could have so easily created for itself and it works. Who’d have guessed that industrial glamour could have been a fashionable statement. Setting itself apart from so many similar venues, the atmosphere here is laid back and about having a fun, party time. This lends itself through to the staff - and you just know that they’re just as much up for having a good time as the customers they serve. Everyone comes here to let loose and have fun, whilst the bouncer on the door makes sure to keep any trouble out.

The Drink
Cocktails, cocktails and more cocktails - you can down drink after drink of delicious tasting concoctions and, like Carbon itself, each has a twist thrown in. Try the chilli-infused caiprinhia, any fan of the classic cocktail will love the added kick of the chilli - just be careful, this drink will blow your head off! For those less inclined to pour toxic liquid down their throat, there is a large array of fruity cocktails, which come presented with large chunks of fruit and all taste divine.They take the essence of the fruit and mix it up with the flavours of the alcohol to avoid the usual soft drink tastes of so many poorly mixed drinks and instead allow the crisp alcoholic flavours to come through. This place isn’t cheap, but then what cocktail bar worth it’s salt is in London?

The Last Word
Carbon is a bar with a twist. Industrial decor that comes across as glamorous and pulls in the diamonds and tiara crowd looking for something different and makes for a fun night.

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