Apex City of London Hotel,
1 Seething Lane,
City,
London,
EC3N 4AX
0871 971 3692
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
Be it for a business meeting, an after-work drink or some dangerously delicious pre-diner cocktails, Addendum fits the bill. A sophisticated and unobtrusive bar boasting both space and intimacy.
The Venue
Addendum is a glass-fronted, double height space decked with dark wood and leather seating that gives you the choice of watching sport on a big TV in the lower half or concentrating on your cocktails from up above. Some suspended spotlighting means that Addendum feels less clinical than this type of decor might ordinarily dictate and despite the fact that it’s a hotel bar and built to cope with the crowds, it still manages to retain a sense of intimacy.
The Atmosphere
Addendum comes alive when the City crowd are released at the end of the day, and then lulls for an hour or so before the arrival of pre-dinner cocktail drinkers awaiting their table at the adjoining restaurant. Some soft architectural lighting, attentive staff and comfy chairs (not a bar stool in sight) ensures a soothing and hospitable atmosphere.
The Drink
If you’re in here, you should be drinking cocktails. There is only one beer on tap, but there are plenty of the bottled varieties, and there is an extensive wine menu shared with the restaurant next door.
The cocktail menu is divided into eight sections; Classics, Champagne, Martini, Long, Creation, Creamy, Short and Virgin. If you have the time and financial backing you should make your way through all. You’ll be glad to know that the cava has been kept far away from the Champagne cocktails, along with the fruit flavouring; The Starmaker is a deliciously fragrant blend of Gallimard Champagne, Jim Beam and mango puree. For a refreshing kick go for the Dark Mule, a blend of Black Seal (a dark sweet rum), lime and ginger beer. If you’re after something you’ve never heard of before then Krakou Tea should fit the bill - Absolut Blue, apple juice, lime, sugar, camomile tea and mint. It’s a herby sweet mixture with a subtle trace of alcohol that doesn’t overwhelm. There are plenty of strange shots if you make it to that stage (an Irish Nut is a Bailey’s and Fra Angelico), and then there is always the good old reliable B52 (Tia Maria, Bailey’s and Grand Marnier).
The bar certainly accommodating and the bartenders are more than happy to mix your favourite cocktail if it’s not on the menu. The only criticism is the presentation. Where everything else has been considered, the aesthetics of the cocktail seem to have been overlooked – they are quite naked.
The Last Word
Addendum is a fusion of contemporary decor, accommodating staff and an inspiring drinks menu, beer lovers may be disappointed by the limited choice but cocktail gluggers will be in their element.
Addendum Restaurant and Bar has been reviewed by 1 users