Right around the corner from Covent Garden tube station, hidden away in a cobbled back street, this Jewel sparkles in one of London’s most popular tourist and entertainment destinations.

The Venue
Splayed over many floors and mezzanines, Jewel seems much bigger once inside than its front lets on. If you arrive during daylight hours, allow your eyes a few moments to adjust to the darkness, before enjoying the gentle light that comes from a host of candles that lead up the stairs, light up the tables and reflect in the many mirrors.

The ground floor has a Gothic feel, with an impressive, oversized, ornate chandelier, large black lanterns on the wall and lots of dark wood and leather. The high ceiling is printed with Michelangelo-esque frescoes and this adds to the opulence of this lavish bar.

Downstairs has a completely different identity. The brooding darkness turns to bright glamour with white leather seating and the glitz and sparkle from bespoke light fittings magnified by the reflection in the many mirrors.

The Atmosphere
Jewel gets busy but it’s not so packed that you can’t move without bumping into people. Its three bars mean queues aren’t diabolical and, if you book yourself a table, the waiter service makes the whole experience all the more relaxed. Jewel draws in a young, attractive crowd in the mood to party and it is a great place to meet new friends or socialise with old.

The Music
Earlier on in the evening, the house music is kept at a background level and is the right volume to allow you to talk without screaming. Later on, and at weekends, guest DJs play at in-house branded nights like La Boutique and Glitterati. The names are a good indicator of what to expect: glamorous house music and extravagant dancers.

The Food
For a light bite, choose from nibbles such as nuts and olives for £2.50, or sandwiches for £5.95. If you’re with a friend, a good option is the sharing platter (£15). There’s a choice of rustic or vegetarian and they offer up delicious treats such as baby calamari (£4.95) and warm, herby, moreish garlic and rosemary bread (£2.95) and the voguish steamed edamame beans (£2.50) with chilli flakes and sea salt.

The Drink
The drinks menu has a great selection of cocktails, which are relatively expensive (ranging from £7.40 - £9.50 each) but they are well-made and full of flavour. You can choose old favourites like the Cosmopolitan from the menu’s Hall of Fame, or more up-to-date recipes in the Contemporary Cocktails section, which includes a very refreshing Mojito. If you want a drink with a kick, go for the deadly Gin and Sin, a sour mix of Sloe Gin and blackberry liqueur. Or for a sweeter treat, try the Mango Passion, a syrupy mix of Passoa and mango puree.

The extensive wine list has a great selection of favourites reaching right across the price range, from £16.95 for a Pinot Grigio to £42.95 for a Chassagne Montrachet Les Masures in the whites, and from £12.95 for a Merlot to £43.95 for a Chateauneuf-du-Pape in the reds. Or, if you’re celebrating there’s a good range of sparkling wines and Champagne, starting at £26 a bottle, reaching right up to £250.

Happy hour happens every day between 5pm and 8pm and, at these times, you can get up to 50 percent off selected wines, and certain cocktails are cut down to £3.95.

The Last Word
Jewel is a great place for a night out. It is glamorous and lavish without being pretentious, and it is full of polite and helpful staff as well as a mix of friendly people that are all out for a good time. Definitely a recommended option amongst the bright lights of Covent Garden

View®  Card offers venue information venue map view london review user reviews (47) image gallery (7)