4 Great Portland Street,
Soho,
London,
W1W 8PA
(020) 7323 2328
The ViewLondon Review
With other venues in New York and Paris, Flute’s newest opening in London is just as stylish and exclusive as you’d expect.
The Venue
Less than five minutes from Oxford Circus Tube station, the discreet entrance to Flute Bar and Lounge makes the bar look immediately exclusive. A sleek black sign leads you downstairs to the basement level; on entering, you’ll see the bar straight ahead, and smartly dressed people as far as the eye can see. There are plenty of tables, from cosy ones for two to large areas that are ideal for groups. A projection of a fireplace glows on the wall, but decor is mainly understated and sleek, with nothing ostentatious to ruin the stylish look of the venue. Tables are designed with a special well in the middle – the perfect shape for a champagne bucket should you decide to splash out on a bottle.
The Atmosphere
Although the exterior is understated, people are certainly being drawn in as the bar is bustling – especially on evenings towards the end of the week. There are plenty of after-work drinkers midweek, with the weekend seeing Flute become more of a place for groups to go for a celebration. Staff are as well dressed as the customers, and are efficient, friendly and full of charm. It’s a good idea to reserve a table, especially if you’re with a group, because the bar is sure to busy on most nights.
The Food
A small but luxurious menu includes decadent caviar Petrossian (£39.95/12g), cheese quesadillas (£6.95) and foie gras burgers (£14.95), as well as smaller snacks such as truffle chips. Or, to satisfy a sweet tooth, chocolate and banana crepes (£7) will certainly hit the spot.
The Drink
Flute is a champagne bar, so bottles of spirits are somewhat extortionate, with a bottle of Jack Daniels priced at £220. However, this pricing seems to be merely to encourage people to stick to champagne, where glasses start at a much more reasonable £11. The cheapest bottle is £60, and this ranges right up to £1000 for a bottle of Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaises 2002. If you’re not sure what champagne you like, choosing a flight (from £22) is a great idea; three different flights are available, each offering a taste of three different champagnes. If you like your champagne with a bit of extra flavour, champagne cocktails are also on offer, including a champagne mojito for £11, and a Gabriel – with gin, mint, cucumber, lemon juice and champagne – at £12.
The Last Word
Sleek and comfortable with impeccable service, Flute Bar and Lounge may be a little on the pricey side, but it makes a great place for a special occasion.
Flute Bar and Lounge has been reviewed by 9 users