Charing Cross Station,
Strand,
London,
WC2N 5HS
The ViewLondon Review
Bonapartes is a little different from the ubiquitous station bar with an airy open plan layout; unfortunately, that’s just about all it has going for it.
The Venue
Bonapartes is the second - and smaller - of two Charing Cross bars. Situated on the opposite side of the station to its more British counterpart, it has a light, continental style. The venue itself is very small and the bar stools make up almost half of the total seating it provides. The bar is decked out with traditional woods and is well lit - presumably so your arrivals can spot you more easily. There are no plasma screens and the alternative to fruit machines is to watch the bright lights of the arrivals and departures board flicker and flare as they continually change.
The Atmosphere
Bonapartes has stumbled on a niche market. For those that love the hustle and bustle of train stations, it is the perfect little venue. It sits in the corner with its wide open frontage staring out and those sitting at the bar are able to enjoy the atmosphere of the train station whilst drinking. This can be an interesting way to pass the time, the bar's position gives it a pavement cafe style that adds a little something to a venue that doesn't posses much of its own buzz. Unfortunately, by its very nature, this is a bar that has a certain disposability about it. People come, they drink, they leave. The clientele is eclectic but offer little in the way of warmth.
The Drink
It's in a station so there are going to be complaints when it comes to paying. You could obviously find a far greater pub that wouldn't charge you around £13 for a bottle of house wine, but then unless you're a people watcher you're probably at the bar for a specific purpose.
Bonapartes is only small and the selection of drinks matches this. There is Carling and Grolsch on tap for the lagers and a pint will set you back about £3.40, which in the heart of London is (sadly) almost average. There is also a distinctly average selection of spirits available, but to make your wait a little warmer the bar also offers coffee and tea.
The Last Word
Bonapartes is pretty much a glorified waiting room. However, with interesting views of people wandering and dithering through the station combined with the addition of drink, it isn't such a bad place to wait.
Bonapartes has been reviewed by 1 users