22 Below proves that size really doesn’t matter as this diminutive bar makes quite the impact thanks to its good quality cocktails, decent grub, friendly staff and atmospheric decor.

The Venue
22 Below is named after the fact it’s located at 22 Great Marlborough Street and is, well, below ground. This intimate basement bar is handily positioned mere minutes from Oxford Circus tube, but its slightly tucked out of the way locale means it avoids that painful deluge of tourists, so common in bars across this area.

This cocktail bar does a good job of making its presence known with a clearly marked, well signposted entryway. Descending the stairs, you quickly leave the hustle and bustle of Central London behind and enter this atmospheric, almost sexy little space. Decked out with a red colour scheme, what could have been garish actually appears more warming. They’ve made good use of the space with a small but more than capable bar at the far end, tables and chairs around the outer edge and a scattering of comfortable brown leather sofas. This is definitely the place to come to settle in for the night. A small black stage sits at the far end, where such events as the weekly comedy night takes place. Nice little touches like a row of photographs lining one wall gives a trendy edge to procedings. Two large plasma screens adourn the walls, showing such movies as Laurel and Hardy when the Tuesday comedy night is on. In all, it’s a pleasant and comfortable bar that works because it’s not trying too hard.

The Atmosphere
As this is a small basement bar, the immediate feeling walking in is one of intimate comfort. Everything from the colour scheme to the layout and comfortable seating makes this a trendy place for enjoying a drink, but with none of the pretension of so many bars in the area. You can come here, chill out and leave your worries at the door.

The close proximity of the seating arrangements lends a friendly air and the clientele are likely to strike up conversations with their neighbours, which is a refreshing change in our cold city. The staff only serve to perpetuate this. They’re an attractive bunch, full of smiles and genuinely friendly. It’s hard not to warm to 22 Below.

Every Tuesday they hold the Electric Mouse Comedy Club night here. For just £3.50 you can come in and enjoy new and emerging comics as they take to the stage and try to impress. Be warned, the intimate setting of the bar means audience participation is a must, there’s no sliding down in your seat and hiding behind a menu here. However, the banter is good natured and the compere amusingly charming. Robert White is a regular, or there’s Mowten. He holds court and - even when the comics fail to raise a smile - keeps spirits up. It’s hard not to like him. The comics are a mixed bunch as far as talent goes, many trying out new material here before moving onto gigs at bigger venues. Don’t be surprised to see them, pen and pad in hand, scribbling out the new jokes that fall flat. Painful at times, you have to admire their balls for standing in the spotlight and facing their audience in such a small space. For £3.50 a ticket (and special 2-4-1 deals with a flier) you can’t really complain, and you’ll be hard pushed to spend the night without so much as raising a smile – even if it is all courtesy of Mowten!

The Music
At the weekend, 22 Below takes on more of an upbeat party vibe. Although in no way a club, they do have DJs hitting the decks courtesy of DJ Playgirl. Fridays see cool hip hop tunes emanating from the soundsystem whilst Saturday nights take on a house flavour. Not bad for a small bar.

The Food
You’d be forgiven for being a little dubious about the food here. After all, this is no restaurant. However, what comes out of the kitchen is actually surprisingly good – especially for the price.

If you’re heading here with a group of mates then they have platters to share, costing £8-£15 depending on how many people you wish to feed. You have a choice between the 22 Below Platter, consisting of chicken satay, mustard marianted salmon, steak brochettes and lamb kofta; or the veggie friendly Mezze Platter made up of grilled halloumi, feta stuffed chillies, tzadziki, sauteed chorizo with potatoes, hummus and stuffed wine leaves.

However, it is worth taking a look at the main menu, especially if you’re settling in for the evening. The gnocchi pomodoro is particularly good and costs just £6.95 for a huge portion. The gnocchi is delightfully soft and melts in the mouth with a not-too-rich, delicate tomato sauce. A generous side of grated cheese is left on your table so you can help yourself (Pizza Express take note, a tiny sprinkling is not enough!) and it’s recommended you go with a garlic bread with cheese side for less than £3. The bread is delightfully sinful, slightly greasy, full of flavour with a deliciously creamy melted mozzarella topping.

The rib eye steak is slightly more expensive at £15.50 and isn’t quite as good value for money. The steak is well cooked to specification and is flavoursome and large. The chips are pleasant fries and are crunchy and hot with a soft fluffy middle. It won’t be the best steak you’ll have ever had and the price isn’t as wallet-friendly as some of their options, but you certainly won’t go home hungry or disappointed.

The Drink
The drink menu is where this bar really shines. You may not expect the ecelectic, good quality, low priced concoctions you get here, but you’re sure to be pleasantly surprised. There aren’t many Central London bars that offer cocktails at the £7 mark and use fresh ingredients, decent spirits (their huge spirit selection will astound) and fresh fruit. Well mixed and presented, they can’t fail to impress. Recommended is the popular Pink Panther for £6.50 (Stoli Raspberry vodka, Chambord, raspberry puree, lime juice and house bitters), which is an attractive pink drink, appearing in a martini glass with a raspberry garnish. Sweet without being cloying, it slips down a little too easily! Equally delightful is the Russian Rocket for £7 (Russian standard vodka, Japanese Shochu, lemon juice and wild rocket), an unusual mixture that works well and adds an interesting unique twist to their cocktail menu. The selection is far from dull and they’ve got some inventive additions that surpass many a half-hearted attempt at the ‘classics’ that so many bars achieve.

If cocktails aren’t your thing then they have an excellent selection of unusual bottled beers. Flensburger (a German Pilsner), Pacifico (Mexican), Vedett (Belgium), and Beer Lao (Laos) cost between £3-£4 and are as reasonable as they are unique. In all, their drink menu is a very pleasant surprise indeed.

The Last Word
22 Below is a charmingly warming little bar. It’s the kind of place that demands a repeat visit. It may be small, but like Kylie small things definitely can come in attractive little packages. Respect to the comics who run the gauntlet here every Tuesday, they may not be the funniest bunch, but they’re certainly worth the £3.50 fee – the price of a cup of coffee, after all. It’s worth checking out to catch Mowten's act.

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