Society couldn’t be more City in style if it tried, but it's a great all-rounder for the after-work and lunchtime crowd.

The Venue
Society is located very close to Blackfriars Tube in the heart of office country. As such, it has a simple City-like exterior with a bold black and white sign and clean lines. The only quirk is the way they write SOCIeTY… wild.

Inside, the space is divided into a very pretty outdoor area, a dining room, bar and cocktail lounge. And although the simple neutrality of the décor is glaringly present, the mix of woods and simple white and red walls is lifted by bold coloured seating (lime green AND red) and a very cool art piece on the wall displaying the word Society. They also make the most of their large space with different levels and small sets of stairs creating interest. In all, it’s a good example of a City bar done good.

The Atmosphere
Society fills up at lunchtime and after-work as the suited and booted look for an excuse to catch up on ‘business’ over a few drinks or some grub. And fill up it does with a hectic feeling to the atmosphere. Luckily the staff are super-efficient, if not incredibly friendly, and things seem to get done here in double-quick time, which is ideal if you only have an hour to kill. Although they do offer a fancy food menu, you can also pop in just for a drink and you won’t be made to feel awkward or pressured into eating, such is the layout of the space.

The Food
The menu at Society is actually very well priced with mains coming in at just over £10 a dish. It focuses on a British theme with ‘poshed up’ classics like crumbed Cornish whiting with shoestring fries and tartar sauce (£10.95) or Cumberland sausage and chive mash with caramelised onion gravy (£10.50) – better known as fish and chips or bangers and mash! There’s a separate bar menu where you can order a burger or sharing platter for around ten quid or a smaller dish such as hummus and pita or squid for under a fiver.

The Drink
The wine menu at Society is lengthy and starts at under £14 a bottle, which is surprisingly cheap for its City locale. However, it’s the cocktail menu that steals the show. Most of them are priced at under £8 and are easy-to-drink and, although not exactly mixology masterpieces, they keep the thirsty hordes very happy.

Their caipirinha is a good example of the drink with a pleasant hit of alcohol tempered by the sweetness of the sugar and citrusy lime balancing the flavours well. Although someone should tell them that a vodka Red Bull doesn’t count as a cocktail! Their draught selection is also decent and includes Carling, Grolsch (original and blonde), Aspel, Guinness and two Young’s ales.

The Last Word
Society is a decent offering for the City and balances easygoing style with good prices.

venue information venue map view london review write a review image gallery (13) venue hire book a table