Being part of a renowned complex such as Vinopolis isn’t always a guaranteed route to success, as displayed by Bar Blue.

The Venue
Visitors to wine mecca Vinopolis will likely have passed through Bar Blue, the stylishly modern bar space basking in Bombay Sapphire blue lighting and enveloped in windows at the entrance to the venue. It looks good, is nestled in one of London’s premier locations next to Borough Market, and seems an inviting place to relax for a cocktail or two (it certainly offers an impressive-looking cocktail and drinks menu). Unfortunately, Bar Blue is a fairly sterile space, with a distinct lack of personality.

The Atmosphere
Despite the trendy appearance, Bar Blue (and the adjoining bar sponsored by Remy Martin) has all the ambience of a hotel lobby – there’s no music, staff seem disinterested and it doesn’t compare favourably to Cantina Vinopolis (the restaurant next door that buzzes with happy diners).

The Food
Unless you enjoy paying £15 for tiny platters of mostly deep-fried, oily food, then save your cash and eat elsewhere. Although the platters they trot out at Bar Blue admittedly look fantastic, beautifully laid out on rustic boards with copious garnishes, it’s all for show. The fish platter (for 2) comes with prawns heavily deep-fried (despite being promised tempura-style), a measly portion of wedges, a few pieces of limp and oily calamari and a few balls of (again deep-fried) salmon. The meat platter is better, the chicken and lamb skewers are tasty enough (having escaped the deep fryer) and the chorizo skewers are flavour-packed, but the £15 price-tag remains a little excessive.

The Drink
The drinks menu is extensive, with plenty of options to suit all, and choosing a cocktail from the enticing options on offer is a pleasure. The Rhubarb Mojito advertises homemade rhubarb cordial and mint muddled with brown sugar and a generous serving of rum, but when it comes it is watery and bland (a little disappointing for £8.50). The Thai Cooler (Bombay Sapphire, lychee liqueur, lychee and pineapple juice) is tall, frosty, sweet and drinkable. The flavours of a promising Cucumber Martini (with Bombay, cucumber, elderflower syrup and lime juice) are unbalanced and it’s just all a bit average. There are dozens of liqueurs and spirits to choose from though, including almost 20 whiskies, as well as wines (from £5 a glass) and various sherries, vermouths and ports.

The Last Word
Bar Blue doesn’t make the most of a top-notch location and, with so much competition in the immediate area, there are much better things to spend your money on when you’re around Borough Market and Vinopolis.

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