The ViewLondon Review
Inspired by Lenny Kravitz’s Miami mansion, The Lonsdale’s design and superior cocktail list, courtesy of none other than Mr Dick Bradsell, have won it numerous awards.
A two-storey affair, upstairs holds Genevieve Bar, a contained space where the raised chrome sphere, futuristic wall theme that graces the ground floor is continued and accentuated by mauve up-lighting. A small bar, DJ booth and stage nod to dancing, and this is what takes place from Thursday through to Saturday (the only nights it’s open).
Downstairs is larger, and a more polished affair. With table seating so tightly packed that, on a busy night, it can leave you feeling hemmed in, the venue operates under waitress service, which is a shame because, on a bad day, it can be a case of ‘order, what order?’ However, once it arrives you won’t be disappointed: the high calibre cocktail offering includes such delicacies as the Rose Petal Martini and the Moschino Sour.
A stunning and upbeat location, beyond the long bar and mid-area is an extended back section, where banquettes line the walls and ultra-violet uplighting gives off an elegantly space-age effect. Above lies an effective white, spherical tiered ceiling cutaway leading up to a large skylight.
Former off-Portobello haunt Jac’s Bar was completely rebuilt to accommodate The Lonsdale, and a worthy job has been done. The clientele haven’t really changed much and, perhaps unsurprisingly for this locale, comprise party people drawn from the affluent and the beautiful. Think bankers in baseball caps, students who sup on champagne and Fashion PRs who’ve not seen a meal in weeks.
If they change their minds they could always try ordering from the pan-global tapas menu, which is inspired, if a little pricey.