Who said decadence in the City was dead? Dark and brooding, Corney and Barrow Lime Street harks back to the good old days when the champagne flowed and good times rolled.

The Venue
Corney and Barrow Lime Street is a lesson in City decadence. Unashamedly brash, it seemingly takes its style inspiration from the gentleman’s clubs of old. Dark and brooding in its demeanour, everything here seems to sparkle and shine with the sheen of money. The reflective mother of pearl finish is almost too glossy with bronze touches along the bar and gleaming leather furniture. The gloomy lighting is lifted by bold light features that, of course, include extravagant chandeliers. Various rectangular light fittings on the wall in the main lounge bar are impressive, flashing different coloured light almost nonchalantly. This is a place proud to be extravagant, shown off by a private dining room that has walls made of silk. Even the main bar is like a piece of artwork in its own right. This is a place where you come to stick two fingers up to the economic downturn.

The Atmosphere
Of course, Corney and Barrow Limehouse is a playground for the suited and booted City workers that pepper the area – and a popular one at that. Post 5.30pm, especially nearer the weekend, it fills with various office workers looking to brush off the trials of their working week with a few glasses of wine or, indeed, champagne. Looking around it’s hard to see any of the effects of the recent recession apart from the strained look around some of the customers’ eyes. The staff are friendly enough but genuine, friendly banter is minimal. Efficient service and ultra politeness rule here.

The Drink
Being primarily a wine bar, the wine list at Corney and Barrow Lime Street is impressive to say the least. And despite the extravagance that seems to ooze out of the very pores of this bar, they do offer a few very well priced bottles, starting at less than £15 for their house. For those not ready to give up the bubbles, a well-priced bottle of prosecco comes in at just over £30 – well within the means of bankers with smaller bonuses. The menu is extremely well laid out and described, avoiding the pretentious nature of some similar wine bars, instead making it easy for their customers to choose a bottle to suit their particular tastes. Although the most expensive bottle of champagne comes in at £200, the majority of bottles fall within the £25-£40 mark, which is very reasonable for its location. And, perhaps surprisingly, they also do a decent selection of draught beer, including Peroni and Urquell alongside Hooky Bitter and Guinness, although the price of a pint here does edge above £4. How much!?

The Last Word
As City boys and girls begin to loosen up those expense accounts and the bonuses start to roll in again, bars like Corney and Barrow will continue to thrive. However, to its credit, this is one venue that’s accepted we’ve entered a new age – the age of value for money – and have got some well priced options on their lengthy menu.

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