Based in the heart of Covent Garden lies the Martini Bar, located beneath the ever popular Christophers American Bar and Grill. Offering a wide range of well-priced cocktails, with an unsurprising skew towards martinis, it’s a decent choice in an area overly populated with tacky tourist bars.

The Venue
You’d be forgiven for striding right past this large, corner-situated building, grand with its white marble appearance. A few small, attractive signs give it an upmarket air, as does the central reception desk that greets you upon arrival. However, once inside you’ll find a laid back, attractive bar. Bubble lamps strewn across the ceiling add immediate interest. Not large in size, its airy, high ceilings and big windows that line the back wall allow for plenty of light and nice views of the Lyceum Theatre. The placement of seating areas - a mix of private booth-like spaces and smaller tables for two is well utilised to make the most of the long, slightly narrow bar - with seats placed all along the outer edge, consisting of comfortable large sofas with big scatter cushions and a few well-placed high stools.

The bar itself is long and more than adequate to keep everyone’s wait to a minimum, table service helping to avoid the painful crush to get served. The overall decor is attractive with lots of woods, browns, reds and neutral colours and some attractive centrepieces with a modern art inspired edge. Black and white photos of random theatre and movie-inspired imagery completes the very attractive picture. In all it’s trendy and modern but avoids the cold ‘chain bar’ decor that so permeates Central London’s bar scene presently.

The Atmosphere
The clientele who come to the Martini Bar are just as eclectic as the usual plethora of visitors and locals of Covent Garden and its surrounding areas. It’s recommended you book one of the few tables on a Friday or Saturday night as it fills up with partygoers (with a more refined edge than the nearby tackier bars, it must be said). However, you’re just as likely to spy an older couple preparing to enjoy a meal at upstairs’ Christophers than you are a group of girls dressed to the nines. You’ll also be unsurprised to see casually dressed shoppers wanting to chill out with a cocktail before making their way home. This combination of all sorts of people adds a warm edge to the bar, helped along by the friendly, competent staff. Never expect to be left waiting for your drink to be refilled, even when busy, the only wait time being endured whilst they take their time to mix you the perfectly concocted cocktail. Upbeat without being lairy, this hits the nail on the head as to what a good Central London bar should be.

The Food
There are a decent range of bar snacks, including nuts and olives (£3.50 and beautifully presented in a large martini glass) to more substantial dishes like salads and a selection of what’s available in the restaurant upstairs. That said, it’s recommended, if you have the time, to try the upstairs’ restaurant if you’re hungry. If you just have a slight case of the munchies then their nut selection is excellent, with a range including macadamias, cashews and toasted walnuts.

The Drink
This is where the Martini Bar excels. Being named as it is, you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that their martini list is lengthy, imaginative and, in many cases, quite unique. Well priced for the area and by the London standard, you’re looking at paying around £8-£12 for a cocktail, with a great addition to the menu being a detailed upgrade version of many of the cocktails, offering premium spirits for just a couple of quid more.

Although such cocktails as the Blueberry and Vanilla Mojito is a disappointment, tasting overly syrupy with none of the vanilla flavours coming through, the martinis are something of a marvel. The Smokey Martini (Tanqueray gin stirred gently over ice with drops of Laphroig whiskey and a twist of lemon) is as subtle as it is powerful. Tasting dry and alcoholic, as a good martini should, the subtle aftertaste of the smoke is quite remarkable and comes seconds after each mouthful, giving a well-rounded, smooth finish. The Merlot Martini is equally delightful with a strong merlot flavour you’ll not have had in any cocktail before. If you prefer softer martinis then the French Apple Martini (Grey Goose vodka shaken with apple liqueur, apple juice and calvados) is recommended with a light, slightly sweet apple flavour and decorated with three thin slices of apple. And it has to be said, the presentation is immaculate. If you prefer your drink straight-up however, then there’s a decent selection of spirits, including many premium brands, bottled beers and a nice wine and Champagne choice. The Perrier Jouet Grand Brut for just over £9 a glass is highly recommended.

The Last Word
The Martini Bar is the pleasant antithesis to all the trashy, cheap tourist and party bars in the area. With a definite hotel bar feel, minus the excruciatingly high price tags, it’s a great spot for in the know Covent Gardeners.

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