The ViewLondon Review
Since the members bar phenomenon went slightly off the boil, a new breed of exclusive yet accessible drinking establishments have come to the fore.
Apartment 195 is one of the leading exponents of this new wave of drinking interest.
Catering for the kind of people who appreciate the good things in life (but don’t need to flash a gold AmEx to pull) this heavily styled venue appears to be the venue of the moment.
Nestling above (and owned by) Henry J Bean’s on the Kings Road, it was conceived by the Gorgeous Group (also responsible for Zeta, Steam and Rockwell) and seems to have set a new standard in lounge style drinking.
The entrance is very low key. I, of course, identified it immediately (terrain contour matching my dear) and strode on through the front door. A rather sour young lady at the reception desk upstairs greeted us with the words “I take it the door is unlocked then…” which I thought slightly unnecessary.
Anyway, ignoring this Miss Haversham wannabe, we headed for the main bar. This was decorated in a rather eclectic manner – a mixture of wood panelling, deep carpet, sofas, peculiar artwork and a chandelier. Interesting enough…
The drinks menu is long and seductive. Most the cocktails seem to employ a tropical twist – definitely a Jason Fendick trait. My Quiet and Stormy was a fruity combination of vodka, guava and a variety of other exotic delights – really rather nice.
The clientele seemed to be made up of City boys on their way home to Fulham, and a smattering of Eurotrash. The slightly seedy seductiveness of the whole enterprise is helped along enormously by the all female staff.
Granted, the chick at the door wasn’t a bag of fun, but the rest of the girls were very good value. Not only were they handy with a shaker (oooh madam) but they’re also sponsored by Virgin Lingerie. So, Mr Branson does actually have some taste!
So, all in all Apartment 195 is a damn fine bar. A touch too close to Sloane Square to be termed hip, nevertheless, it’s worth a look if you're the sort of person who doesn’t need someone to tell you you’re worth it…
Apartment 195 has been reviewed by 6 users