225 St Johns Hill,
Battersea,
London,
SW11 1TH
0872 261 0123
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
Neutrality is infecting bars, clubs and restaurants around the capital and it seems nowhere is immune; not even the previously funky Alchemist Bar.
The Venue
Alchemist Bar used to be known for its welcoming, opulent décor, centred around its big-print, funky pink and gold floral wallpaper. It was one of those places that was known for its signature look – so much so, when you couldn’t remember the name of the bar you’d just say ‘you know, the one with THE wallpaper’. And then came a refurbishment…
Now it is black and white. White walls, white ceiling, black tables and chairs and a black bar all nestled atop a wooden floor. Yawn.
The Atmosphere
Alchemist Bar is a neighbourhood bar through and through, pulling in young and trendy Claphamites who can’t be bothered to trek further afield when there’s so much on their doorstep. As such, the atmosphere is pretty laid-back and friendly and being a bit further away from the main party strip around Clapham Junction station means it gets less crowded and drunken, which is most definitely a good thing. They host regular middle-of-the-road club nights here with toe-tapping dance tunes and chart hits to get people up and dancing, which they usually do.
The Food
They do serve food at Alchemist Bar and it’s a stomach-lining mix of burgers, nibbles, fish and chips, pasta and sandwiches, all well priced at around £7.50 a dish.
The Drink
Although they have quite a long wine list, competitively priced at £12.95-£27.95 a bottle, it’s the cocktails that rule the roost here. It may not be the longest or most exciting list in the world, but the mixing is decent and they cost just £7. Their classic caipirinha, for example, packs a pleasant kick and can be sweetened with a range of different fruit purees. Alternatively, their mojito, which also comes in a range of fruit flavours, is equally well mixed without too much ‘garden’ or ice filling the glass, as you tend to get for lower-priced cocktails.
The Last Word
Alchemist Bar is a decent neighbourhood bar, but you can’t help but wish they had kept some of its original personality when refurbishing the place.
The Alchemist Bar has been reviewed by 32 users