116 St Martins Lane,
Covent Garden,
London,
WC2N 4BF
0871 971 3941
The ViewLondon Review
One of the latest endeavours from Covent Garden Restaurants, The International joins other popular haunts such as The Gardening Club and Dirty Martini.The VenueLocated at the intersection of St Martins Lane and St Martins Place, near to both Leicester Square and the National Portrait Gallery, The International is handily located for either a pre-club or post-gallery tipple. Housed on the ground floor corner of a grand Victorian edifice, the setting is architecturally striking – the current occupiers obviously can’t take the credit for this but the glass facade conversion and subtle interiors have been elegantly integrated.
Inside, The International strives for a cool sophisticated feel, with clusters of black leather cubed seating, low-level sofas and U-shaped armchairs. The walls are a sober maroon and magnolia, occasionally brightened up by a piece of contemporary art, but it is the mosaic-mirrored pillars propping up the bar which really catch the eye.
The AtmosphereChilled for the bulk of the day, the music volume rises in inverse proportion to the lighting for a more upbeat vibe as evening comes around.
The FoodBased on the first floor is Katana at The International, a pan-Asian restaurant that maintains the relaxed adult feel of the bar. The bar food menu is relatively limited as they seek to usher customers upstairs to the restaurant, which offers a full menu with table service. You can’t have a meal brought down in the evening so you risk losing your seats at the bar if you get tempted by the extended menu, but the competitive prices and special offers can make it worth venturing up to Katana.
The DrinkWith a drinks menu dominated by fine wines, champagne, classic cocktails and premium beer, you can expect to spend a pretty penny. Downstairs is a champagne bar which can be hired for private functions.
The Last WordMature and stylish, The International is ideal for a quiet drink if you happen to be in the area but isn’t special enough to merit a dedicated night out.