Far from being an anodyne hotel bar, Refuel Bar and Restaurant is a true hidden gem offering high-flying Soho media types a luxurious space to unwind.

The Venue
Hidden away on Richmond Mews, Refuel is set back from the main traffic on Wardour and Dean Street and yet there are many people in the know: this is a place that thrives on glowing word of mouth recommendations. The design is a mix of energising colours, tasteful wall murals, patterned upholstery and contemporary artwork, but Refuel also plays the quirky and vintage cards in the private area on the ground floor, while the private dining rooms show an amusing spin on the business aesthetic of pinstripes. Visually very stimulating, Refuel has been decorated so successfully that it stands out against most London venues in the design stakes.

The Atmosphere
Rooms upstairs may start at £300, but Refuel is not a hotel bar for stuck-up wealthy customers or businessmen. Soho media professionals love this place, so expect to bump into high-profile creatives of all ages, enjoying a meal or a few drinks with friends from the office. The atmosphere is bubbly and non-judgemental, and service is impeccable.

The Food
The menu is fusion, mixing the best of modern British with more exotic dishes. Everything is impeccably cooked in the kitchen beside the entrance, which is visible through a glass wall from the dining area. Starters (£6.50-£13) include grilled sardines with fennel and parsley salad, guinea fowl with smoked bacon and sage pappardelle, and many other delicacies. The mains (£15-£35) offer such delights as lamb hash with kale, spiced monkfish with tomato and lemon, and a good selection of grilled dishes. Some of the desserts (£7.50) are fairly traditional - coffee crème brulee and vanilla cheesecake - but they also serve ice cream sundaes (£6.50). More in tune with the upbeat menu, the Tropical Sweet (banana ice cream, fresh banana, praline ice cream, toffee sauce, toasted walnuts) and the Refuel Sundae (vanilla ice cream, dates, almond praline ice cream, cherries, chocolate shavings and cream) are excellent options.

The Drink
The martinis are fantastic and there is bar food and tapas (£3.50-£5) if you want to nibble informally. The cocktails (£11-£13.50) follow Refuel’s original blueprint: most are new concoctions not available elsewhere (although there are a few classics). Golden Retriever (vermouth, rum, Cointreau and still mineral water with a cacao mist) and Vine and Orchard (fresh white grapes, apricot, Xante liqueur and champagne rose) are just two of the intriguing options. It goes without saying that the wine list is suitably comprehensive. France dominates, but there is also space for lesser known Slovenian whites and Portuguese reds.

The Last Word
Forget the fact that you’re in a hotel; Refuel has so many strengths that it’s easily a destination in its own right. Any night here has the potential to be a memorable one.

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