If you’re looking for cocktails in the heart of Clerkenwell then it’s altogether possible you’ve met your perfect Match.

The Venue
Just beyond Clerkenwell station, the shell of the bar doesn’t look like much but once inside you can see that it was certainly designed with comfort in mind.

The bar is loud and like a drinking arena, competitors fight for the triumph of reaching a bar that’s overlooked by the watching bourgeoise, street level mezzanine that runs around the edge of the bar. The mezzanine is filled with miniature tables for two to maximise space and large curvy luxurious booths. The walls are coated with a simple matt black to match the dark wooden floors and there are hints at the luxe brand that Match Bar tries to be with leopard-print light boxes and framed artwork.

The Atmosphere
This place will appeal to the City types that roam the streets of Clerkenwell. It encourages you to relax in the confines of its deep dark pockets with the company of an orange glow to keep you warm. Match needs to do its best to soothe because the presence of so many suits makes it slightly uncomfortable, a little like when somebody leaves their coat on inside or stands in a room full of otherwise seated people. Loosening the tie just isn’t enough. The staff are friendly and there is table service at quiet times. The nights are busy but the music is always a little on the flimsy side of middle of the road. When it comes to the drinks, the expertise of the staff is astounding.

The Food
The food is a change to the norm of the soulless menus that bars like this often roll out. Your selection might even challenge you to try something a little different. Yes, there are the ubiquitous burgers that are the meat as well as the drink for so many proprietors but there is also the prospect of a squid and chorizo salad, haloumi, king prawns and Mediterranean fish cake starters and the jerk chicken sandwich. There is freshness about the menu that should make the head chef proud to have his name displayed above the door that leads to his workshop.

The Drink
Match Bar has cocktails on the brain. Its veins run rife with freshly squeezed fruit juices and its spare time sees its friends left waiting in the cold with a ball at their feet as liquid concoction takes precedent over fresh air and fun. The brains of the bartenders must become cocktail stick sharp through practice to remain amongst the leading lights in the scene. There is no flaring here, just the use of the finest ingredients and an attention to detail that’s lost on the more showbiz side of the art.

The Grapefruit Julep, Space Gin Smash and Soho Cooler are all original to the bar and there are all the standard cocktail tipples. The Magnificent Seven of cocktails might force a smile from even the most cynical as seven cocktails are named and based on the film's leading men. The interesting fact here is that cowboys actually loved cocktails. The beers are in thin supply but there’s no attempt to apologise for the lack of choice in what is, after all, a cocktail bar. The beers are Proof and Proof pilsner that come by the bottle.

The Last Word
If you’re looking for a simple pint it’s obviously best to avoid this draught-less bar, but if it’s a cocktail you search for, and it’s the kind where juices are caressed from the fruit and ice is a chip off the block of the man that chisels it, then you’ve found the perfect Match (Bar).

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