57 High Street,
Wimbledon Village,
London,
SW19 5EE
(020) 8944 7722
The ViewLondon Review
In Wimbledon Village, if you want a decent cocktail without going into central London, your choices are slightly lacking. However, with the arrival of Hemingways, you can luxuriate in comfort and style, whilst sipping on your favourite concoction.
The Venue
Be prepared if you are travelling from Wimbledon station, as the hike up hill can be a bit brutal. Once up the steep hill (a bus is advised) you pass many eateries and pubs before you arrive at Hemingways, a small bar bursting with character. The glass front is striking and allows people to observe the passing traffic from the comfort of their plush booth. When the weather is good, sitting on the tables outside is a real pleasure.
The bar itself has a teasing collection of hearty spirits and, although small, it can adequately deal with people ordering cocktails. The booths gets snapped up quite speedily and are usually reserved, so to avoid standing all night, call ahead.
The beautiful working fireplace is a much-needed feature during the colder months. And an array of stools and seats, assembled around the fire place, make it feel like you are at a home from home.
The Atmosphere
As expected, Hemingways gets rather busy at weekends. Being a small venue, and one of the only places to get decent cocktails, you can understand why. Having said that, it tends to be quieter between 5pm-7pm, so it’s a good place to start the night off. The patrons are largely Village locals, who are a civilised bunch and don’t cause much of a fuss.
The Food
Hemingways is all about sharing and there are nibbles to suit everyone’s tastes. From soft and juicy yakitori chicken skewers (£4.95) to calamari (£4.95), the food definitely has a global feel. The sushi is also a good choice as it is freshly made and consists of maki rolls and nigiri. However, if you’re looking for a traditionally British fare, then the assortment of cheeses is a must. Paired with cured meats and chutneys, it is the most striking platter on the menu and only £7.95 for two people or £10.95 with meat.
The Drink
If you can make a mean cocktail these days, it can make all the difference. With classics ranging from £6.75 for a margarita to £8.85 for a Singapore sling, you’re spoilt for choice. Their house favourites are interesting and have a fruity theme to them. The Village Breeze (£6.75) for instance, feels like a tipple you would have in a tropical climate, not Wimbledon Village. It’s wonderfully refreshing and slips down easily. They also do some rather quirky sharing cocktails, which are lots of fun. You can choose from a Bowler Hat (£16.95), a Top Hat (£22) and a Welly Boot (£22) to drink your chosen drink out of, which makes the process of sharing drinks a bit more entertaining.
Wines are rather fancy, too. House is reasonable - £14.95 a bottle and £4.50/£5.50 per glass for a Campania Bianco. The prices do jump up quite quickly, but there are quality choices such as the Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits (£38.95), or The Auction Crossing Viognier (£27.95).
The Last Word
Hemingways, with its sumptuously constructed cocktails in pleasing surroundings, is a welcome addition to the Village.
Hemingways has been reviewed by 17 users