This chic cocktail bar in a Covent Garden oozes the cool factor…

The Venue
Situated in the eclectic Seven Dials area of Covent Garden, where quirky boutiques sit alongside high-street brands and independent bars brush shoulders with bog-standard chains, Detroit, with it’s simple yet stylish sign, is surprisingly easy to find. Enter on street level and take the winding staircase down and you’ll instantly be taken back by the bare walls and minimalist feel. There’s an intimate cave-like area complete with curtained booths and more seats that run down the very modern-looking bar. It’s deceivingly large – and very dimly lit – and it’s the kind of bar that reminds you of the movies. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the venue has been used in a couple of films, namely Code 46 and 80’s flick, Following.

The Atmosphere
While the weeknights are extremely chilled out with small groups of twenty and thirtysomethings taking advantage of the two cocktails for £8, the weekends become busier when people flock to the area for a big night out. The music steps up a notch, too – switching from laid-back beats to lively funky house. It's surprisingly unpretentious and staff are very friendly, too, going out of their way to make sure you have a great night.

The Food
There’s a simple bar menu from £3-£7, offering dishes such as the Detroit burger, mini chicken wraps and chunky chips with garlic mayo. The warm and fluffy focaccia bread with olive oil (£3) is delicious and so moreish the dish disappears in minutes – impressive, considering it’s a decent-sized portion.

The Drink
While the venue offers wine, starting at £14 a bottle, and beers, including Asahi, Viru and Bohemia, at around £4 a bottle, the focus is on their expertly made cocktails. They’re not cheap, but definitely worth it, and they are very well presented. The menu is huge and is separated into Contemporary, Seasonal, Classic and Experimental cocktails – all of which have quite detailed descriptions, making it even harder to pick. The Seasonal Flute (£8), made with whatever ingredients are in season, is a good light drink. The autumnal flavours – fresh blackberries, sloe gin and prosecco – work particularly well, fusing the delicious fruity bubbles with a bit of a kick. Similarly, the Five Spice Daiquiri (£8) is very fresh and fruity – and definitely one for pineapple fans. Made with rum, lime and pineapple, as well as home-made five-spice syrup and a subtle hint of cinnamon, clove and fennel notes, this is a drink that’s perfect for cold evenings. For a more experimental vibe – and one where you really can taste the booze – the Gold Fashioned (£10) is an absolute must. Sugar is stirred down with gold cachaca and bitters, before the drink is smoked with a smoking gun, so it arrives at the table steaming.

The Last Word
With stylish surroundings, exquisite cocktails and unique cave-like seating, Detroit’s a great choice for drinks in the heart of Covent Garden.

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