37-38 Margaret Street,
Oxford Circus,
London,
W1G 0JF
(020) 7629 7551
The ViewLondon Review
A stylish and relaxed lounge bar in the heart of the West End, serving classic cocktails and modern simple dishes at East London prices.
The Venue
Set amidst the flurry and commotion of the West End’s shopping district, this chic bar is tucked away on Margaret Street, a stone’s throw from Oxford Circus station. With an unassuming facade, the bar lies between sandwich shops and cafes, offering a small seating area, spilling out onto the pavement. Peering down on you, a neon light of a curvaceous naked woman informs you the bar is ‘ready for service’.
As you enter Match Bar, you’re greeted by the glow of orange cylindrical lights, hanging above comfortable leather sofas and squat round tables. Beyond here a number of rectangular wooden tables line the left wall, set with polished glasses and menus. This dining area is minimalist in comparison with the remainder of the bar with its large ornate mirrors and off-white walls. For those seeking a more intimate experience, a seating area on a dais to your right has an almost booth quality about it, awash with warm orange overtones, wooden tables and leather chairs.
Dimly lit with candles, the walls are adorned with orange and brown art noveau style wallpaper, together with a number of large quirky paintings featuring bold prints. Moving towards the back, the bar will unfurl itself on your left. A generous number of high leather bar stools run along it for those needing to be propped up, or merely wanting to be in the thick of the action. Eclectic images torn from magazines garnish the walls, overlooking an area occasionally used as a dancefloor where businessmen, friends and couples mingle as one.
The Atmosphere
During the day, Match Bar is certainly a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. A chilled out affair, the music is soft and very much in the background, and the dim but warm lighting adds to the romanticism of the bar. You can expect low-key business people having lunch, but you’re far more likely to spot friends and shoppers or the odd couple cosying up.
The mood picks up as the evening closes in, where the crowd features mid-week partygoers and couples, alongside friends catching up after work. Weekends are very similar with Match Bar being a perfect warm-up bar with music ranging from funk and garage to jazz and soul, courtesy of the resident DJ. The staff are friendly and approachable and definitely don’t take themselves too seriously. Table service prevents huge queues forming at the bar, although you may struggle to find a table at weekends. In keeping with its relaxed and unpretentious nature, you’ll feel just as comfortable dressed to the nines as in a pair of jeans and trainers.
The Food
The menu changes four times a year to coincide with the season, sourcing produce from London’s local markets and suppliers. There’s not a huge menu, steering clear of fancy cuisine and sticking with traditional lounge bar grub.
Tapas-style starters are on offer alongside heavier mains, including shepherds pie, fish and chips and Match Bar’s own classic burger, all around the £10 mark. Very popular are the sharing platters and mezzes from £14. It’s also a good idea to order a number of starters between friends since the menu features olives, skewered king prawns and halloumi.
The Drink
Match Bar doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. It’s a cocktail bar and it does this very well. With a large choice of classic cocktails, as well as signature drinks devised by the chain’s bartenders, the drinks menu won’t disappoint.
Highly recommended is the Grapefruit Julep, a refreshing blend of grapefruit vodka, fresh grapefruit and pomegranate juice with a drizzle of honey offsetting the tartness of the grapefruit and balancing the drink perfectly.
Given the extensive cocktail list, Match fails to offer a large choice of beers, with a choice of three bottled lagers: Proof, Proof Pilsen and Union. It isn’t the ideal option for a beer drinker, although it has no qualms in the absence of draught, indeed the drinks menu proudly states that pints aren’t available in the same breath as there is no dress code and no flair bartending. The wine menu is slightly more extensive with prices starting at £16 for the house, featuring an assortment of styles from around the world.
The Last Word
It’s easy to see why Match Bar is so popular. With a personality of its own, this unpretentious cocktail bar offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere making you want to come back time and again.
Match Bar has been reviewed by 12 users