Hix,
66-70 Brewer Street,
Soho,
London,
W1F 9UP
(020) 7292 3518
The ViewLondon Review
Everything you’d expect from a bar located below quintessentially British restaurant HIX. And boy do they mix a mean martini.
The Venue
Mark's Bar (named after owner Mark Hix) is the basement bar of famous restaurant HIX, which in itself isn’t the easiest place to find – a dark wooden door is the entry point and a plaque declaring HIX shows off its location, the windows are frosted to maintain the privacy of an often famous and almost always well to do clientele. Once inside, a reception area greets you and a big fluorescent finger with Mark’s above it clearly points the way. Down the stairs, you’ll find a gentleman’s club style decor. A long bar is the centrepiece with its wares proudly displayed courtesy of lots of masculine spirits. Exposed brick is painted over in white with a distinctly monochrome feel to the colourscheme, from the black high-backed bar stools lined up against the bar to the swathe of white walls interspersed by mottled grey feature walls. A small billiards table further adds to the gentleman’s club feel, and funky overhead light features and an array of understated mirrors on the walls don’t cause too much glare thanks to the low, seductive lighting. A few demure armchairs finish off the look nicely.
The Atmosphere
Similar to upstairs, Mark's Bar attracts a mainly well to do clientele, many of whom are enjoying a pre-or-post-dinner drink although there is a contingent of drinkers seeking out quality cocktails in an upmarket setting. The staff are achingly knowledgeable and clearly very skilled, the only problem is they’re so keen to get every drink spot on the wait can be lengthy. The best position is definitely at the bar itself so you can talk to the staff and the time it takes to make your drink is appreciated rather than resented as you see the craftsmanship that goes into each and every one.
The Food
Given Mark Hix’s name, the bar snacks that come from the same kitchen as the restaurant’s quality dishes are actually very well priced. A bowl of crunchy, perfectly seasoned parsnip crisps are just £3.50 and their wonderfully fresh Kingdom of Mourne rock oysters are priced at £2.50 each. Otherwise, the pork crackling is sinful but delicious and the bar shows its down to earth side with the inclusion of chips with curry sauce for £3.50. This is British grub at its best, after all!
The Drink
This is a bar that takes its cocktails seriously. And, given the time and care put into them and the quality of the ingredients, they are very well priced with the cheapest coming in at just £7, before rising to £11. Each cocktail comes with a cute little history – a back story that adds something to the drinking experience. There’s also a section from Mark himself that incorporates the best of British into the drinks themselves. Particularly excellent from this section is the Mark’s Mark (morello cherries muddled with Makers Mark, freshly squeezed lime juice, ginger liquor, caster sugar and egg white; £11) where you can really taste every single ingredient including a strong hit from the Makers Mark, which us perfectly complemented by the mix of sweetness, creaminess and tartness of the other elements. Of course, to really try their skills you need to sample a martini. Perfectly mixed, well balanced and only for cocktail drinkers that really like to taste their alcohol, you’ll find it hard to beat at any other cocktail bar in London.
The Last Word
Mark's Bar could have been a lazy addition to Mark Hix’s ever expanding British empire. Instead, he’s produced a cocktail bar that rivals any of the top bars in London. A triumph.
Mark's Bar has been reviewed by 2 users