Oxo Tower Wharf,
Bargehouse Street,
South Bank,
London,
SE1 9PH
(020) 7803 3888
The ViewLondon Review
After an internal reshuffle, the Oxo Tower Bar has been given pride of place alongside the open-plan brasserie at the riverside-end of the Oxo building. Good news for those just in for a drink: you get the money shot of the Thames, all the way from St Paul’s to the London Eye.
The Venue
There’s a much-abused saying that chimes 'if you get tired of London, you must be tired of life.' Well, for the Oxo Tower, there’s a more appropriate saying: 'if you get sick of looking up and down the Thames, you must be a right misery.' Pull up a window seat at the buzzy Oxo Tower Bar and there’s a history lesson everywhere you look: Christopher Wren’s masterpiece is visible to the east; the BT Tower and the London Eye to the west. In terms of the best views on the South Bank, it’s hard to beat.
The redesign (courtesy of Shaun Clarkson) mixes bespoke mustard yellow and pine green leather seats, with a sparkly white sheen. It’s been said that the design has nods to a cruise liner and there’s definitely an element to this, with its sloping glass frontage and outdoor decked area.
The Atmosphere
A lively mix of professionals, clued-up tourists and friends celebrating a special occasion, the Oxo Tower may have a separate restaurant space and a brasserie attached, but it’s very much a place to visit in its own right.
The Food
Wooden sharing boards of deep-fried squid (£11.50), Spanish charcuterie (£12.95) steak sandwiches and even fish and chips (£14.25) are all on offer in the bar. As part of the same company as Harvey Nichols, the provenance of the ingredients is unquestionable. The combination of manchego cheese, jammy quince, quality cured meats and a brushstroke of harrisa makes up a tasty platter for the charcuterie, and it’s one that’s particularly good for two people sharing. Alternatively, the squid is served with salty green samphire and a tomatoey sauce, a slightly odd combination but the squid’s enjoyable nonetheless.
The Drink
The cocktails (£9.95-£13.50) are worth investigating and often remix classic concoctions. They do a mean rye Manhattan (Pikesville whisky, Antica vermouth and Jerry Thomas bitters), a stiff drink that’s strictly for sipping even for the booziest of dispositions. The tiki-theme is explored in the Pleasure Boat, which is served in a tall clay tiki vessel. It uses Elements rum from St Lucia, a fruity rum that tastes of spicy bananas, and is served with a flaming float of Woods 100 which is upturned into the tropical mix. Equally good is the Double Agent, a twist on the classic martini. Here the ice is washed in plum liqueur, and a little orange and chartreuse flavouring perfectly counteracts the harshness of the gin and vodka. This is undoubtedly a bar that takes its cocktails and premium spirits very seriously.
The Last Word
The Oxo Tower is one of those places every Londoner should strike off their list of places to visit. Now that the bar is looking better than ever and offering the sort of views that makes the capital such a world-class city, there’s never been a better time to do so.
Oxo Tower Bar has been reviewed by 1 users