Hidden among the small avenues and alleyways near The City’s Guildhall, the present meets the past at one of Corney and Barrow’s popular institutions.

The Venue
Despite the modern and stylish feel to Corney and Barrow at Masons Avenue, walking down the mock-Tudor clad alleyway to reach the bar is likely to make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. At peak hours the small pedestrianised street is often a dense, banter-ridden forest of laughing bodies, swilling from pint pots. So much so that it can be refreshing to reach the refined modernity that is the large windows, neutral stone and oversized glass doors of Corney and Barrow about halfway down the alley.

Inside, the long curved bar arcs its way down the right hand side of the space with a marbled surface and down-lit front panelling, which ties Corney and Barrow at Masons Avenue in with the corporate image of her sister bars. The back-lit shelves display the large array of spirits on offer as well as the even greater range of red wine, whilst a specially hollowed alcove illuminates the numerous bottles of Champagne. Opposite the bar, a long dark walnut table mirrors the serving area’s curves and creates a communal focus for the ten tall sleek stools surrounding it. A further ten tables distributed across the remaining half of the bar are set just above waist-height, supported on elegant chrome pillars and loosely enclosed by contemporary short-backed stools.

The main decor is neutral, encompassing blended creams on both the walls and ceilings. A large backlit glass wall at the back of the bar helps to keep everything light, in spite of the limited number of sunrays breaking through from the alley, but it also provides a back drop for a particularly unique Art Deco inspired installation consisting of overlapping coloured shapes.

Space at Corney and Barrow at Masons Avenue is maximised with additional lower level tables at the rear of the bar placed in front of a long, fixed leather sofa. The only gripe about spatial design issues can be found in the toilets, which are a little on the compact side; however, they are saved by small touches, such as the chain's perennial toilet presence - Molton Brown soaps and moisturisers.

The Atmosphere
Whilst certainly a more relaxed venue than some of the bars in the chain, some will be disappointed by the lack of a big screen to watch sport on, having to make do with three strategically placed TVs instead. Like most bars in The City, the majority of punters are local workers entertaining clients over lunch, celebrating promotions or relaxing with colleagues and friends after work.

It is undoubtedly the staff that make the experience enjoyable at Corney and Barrow at Masons Avenue. The back wall proudly displays their blue ‘Investors in People’ plaque and, given the attentiveness and willingness of the bar staff, it is easily believed. The slightly more sober feel of the daytime clientele is reflected in the music choice, encompassing easy listening and a variety of genres reliant on their melodic merits. The livelier evenings, however, demonstrate a step-change in the tempo of the music with contemporary RnB, modern classics and even some crossover dance tracks designed to keep the bar animated.

The Food
This chain is almost as well known in The City for its food as its wine and Corney and Barrow at Masons Avenue is no different. The breakfast menu consists of dishes priced at £3.50-£8.50 - the three egg omelette served with a choice of Somerset brie, Scottish smoked salmon and Cumbrian air-dried ham for £4.50 is always a smart choice.

The lunch menu offers a large range of dishes encompassing sharing platters (around £15), seasonal starters and mains (£7-£14) and a selection of hot and cold sandwiches such as flaked smoked mackerel, lightly peppered and served with a French remoulade of red onion and beetroot on malted farmhouse loaf (£7.25).

An evening menu takes a seasonal direction but staple favourites include the homemade organic beef burger featuring fresh gherkin, red onion, tomatoes, mixed leaves and chunky chips (£12.95) or a rib-eye steak ciabatta sandwich with a mustard mayonnaise, caramelised onions and hand-cut chips (£11.95).

The Drink
Even the sleek, chrome features of the Pilsner Urquell pump cannot hide its loneliness on the bar as the only draught beer available, at £3.90 per pint. Luckily Corney and Barrow at Masons Avenue does have some bottle-shaped backups for lager drinker in the form of Bitbuger, a deeply hoppy German beer, and Monteith’s, a sweeter New Zealand offering, among others - all for around £3.85 each. Also on offer are the comparative rarities of Ivanhoe English pale ale and Sheppys Oakwood special cider.

The bar supports a well-stocked list of Champagnes divided into non-vintage (starting at £39.95 a bottle), rose (£66.95-£99.95) and Prestige (£100-£190). Champagne cocktails are also available, such as Lusciously Loose for £11.75, whilst a selection of long drinks and shooters are on offer for those partying hard from £5.25.

Corney and Barrow started life as wine merchants and it is clear that this is where their passion lies; utilising their network of bars to bring that passion in its most accessible form. This does mean, however, that their wine list is extensive; so much so that it is not unreasonable to spend longer poring over the list than actually sampling the wines. However, with up to a dozen examples of each of their Chardonnays, Sauvignons, Merlots and Pinot Noirs on offer, as well as a slightly smaller range of rarer varietals, the effort expended selecting one should be well rewarded at around £18-£30 a bottle.

The Last Word
The enveloping nature of Mason’s Avenue proves that even with their expanding empire, this is a chain of bars that are unified in their quality, yet unique in their character. Overall, it’s an excellent venue to meet up with City-working friends.

venue information venue map view london review write a review image gallery (3) book a table