What was once Bar 606 is now a modern, decadent hotel bar called Nineteen Below. Named after the Crowne Plaza hotel’s address and the fact it’s located at basement level, this is a popular spot with an excellent cocktail menu, going against everything you’d normally expect from a hotel bar – in a good way.

The Venue
Nineteen Below is a funky watering hole that has avoided the usual trappings of other hotel bars. With coloured lighting throughout, a long bar running the length of the venue, and a large amount of seating, there’s an excellent use of space creating an open air.

Behind the bar hangs artistic black and white photos of famous local London landmarks and a large screen showing fashion TV for the budding fashionista in you. There’s a separate VIP area - decked out in yellows and oranges - located behind large glass windows, which is available for private hire and allows patrons to feel a part of the bar whilst having some privacy. Display shelves behind the bar show off their large array of Champagne, wine and premium spirits, and a fruit selection goes to prove that all the ingredients used in the cocktails are fresh. The decor is funky and cosy with warm tones and an airy veneer.

The Atmosphere
The main core of the clientele at Nineteen Below are people from outside the hotel rather than guests. Weekends are, perhaps surprisingly, their quietest time, with weekdays proving to be a big draw for the nearby office workers. DJs and live music sets (provided by up and coming artists, showcasing new talents) are put on during the week and draws in the crowds.

The staff aren’t quite what you’d expect from a hotel - with the level of service not being akin to some of the other areas of the hotel, but they certainly know how to make a good cocktail and the table service means you don’t need to wait at the bar for ages. Don‘t assume that this is the usual sterile, dull and upmarket hotel destination, instead come here if you want a funky bar with a fashionable edge.

The Drink
Cocktails are what Nineteen Below is all about, with the freshest ingredients mixing with good quality spirits, well presented in attractive glasses. They’ll set you back a princely £9 a drink, but that’s to be expected from a Central London bar and won’t come as a shock to anyone used to drinking good cocktails in nice venues.

Choose wisely, the classic martini packs quite a kick - with three large green olives and a beautiful clear consistency, only dare to down if you enjoy an alcohol-rich taste. If you prefer something a little more tasty, then the apple and vanilla mojito is really delicious and well made - a must for mojito fans. Whatever your choice of tipple, it will be covered in the large cocktail menu.

The Last Word
Nineteen Below shows other hotels how a bar should be done. Funky lighting, cool decor and a great use of space mixed with regular live music draws in a cool crowd out to drink quality cocktails in a nice environment.

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