The ViewLondon Review
Archangel tries to be all things to all men with a relaxed bar area, an informal restaurant, and a downstairs club area. Surprisingly, the Russian-themed venue gets all three pretty much right.The VenueLocated a few minutes walk up Kensington High Street from the underground station, Archangel is easily identified by its bright red frontage.
Once inside, you’re welcomed first into the main bar area with a couple of comfortable armchairs, stools and tables to sit at, with the club area downstairs and the small restaurant area at the back of the main bar. The Russian theme is subtle with scarlet walls, baroque fixtures, and little statues of angels dotted around the room. However, what was once a stunning re-fit is now looking a little torn and tired around the edges, and a re-paint wouldn’t do any harm.
The AtmosphereArchangel runs the danger of appealing to no one with its policy of trying to offer something to everyone. However, the plan seems to pay off with everyone from salsa enthusiasts out for early-evening lessons to romantic diners, after-work drinkers, or those on a big night out keen to carry on downstairs in the club later in the evening.
It’s a very mixed crowd, mostly out of necessity as there are so few stylish bars along Kensington High Street. The bar staff are good looking and good humoured, keen to recommend a drink from the cocktail list or chat about what you’ve been up to during the day.
The FoodThere’s a hearty food menu offering everything from sausage and mash, steaks and salads to more relaxed sharing options such as pittas and dips. A favourite is the smoked salmon and caviar blinis, priced at just £6.50, created with decent smoked salmon and salty caviar.
The DrinkWith Champagne at £7 a glass and bottled beers such as Becks at just £3.50, Archangel won’t break the bank. There’s a long wine list with unusual options to accompany your food if you’re eating, including a Lebanese choice, but you’d be missing out if you didn’t sample one of the fifty cocktails.
The fresh fruit mojitos are a treat – especially the mango mojito, the sweet mango serving as a great accompaniment to the rum and sugar blend. Another great choice is the marmalade martini, which blends vodka and cointreau with marmalade, sugar and lime. Cocktails come in between £7.50 and £9, but come here early in the evening for the daily happy hours and you’ll get two cocktails but only pay for one. Bargain!
The Last WordArchangel is an accomplished example of a venue that can take you right through the night. It doesn’t do anything exceptional, though there are flashes of excellence on the food and drink menus. Overall it makes a great one-stop-shop for your night on the tiles.