A decadent yet unpretentious bar and restaurant in Fitzrovia, Vanilla mixes glamour with good value.

The Venue
Located in an upmarket area of London’s West End, you are immediately greeted by a sense of exclusivity as you have to ring a buzzer at the door to get inside. As you walk down the staircase into the subterranean bar, you are overwhelmed by the apt scent of Vanilla and you are suddenly transported into a whole new world of whiteness. You are instantly struck by the impeccable glamour of the décor as your eyes adjust to your surroundings. It is anything but sterile and there's LED lighting that subtly changes through a spectrum of colours, creating a variety of moods in an instant.

Opulent spiral chandeliers hang from the ceiling and patterned mirrored walls give the illusion of space in an otherwise intimate basement venue. Small tables are dotted around the floor and these can be sectioned off by long white curtains in order to create a bit of privacy. A long gleaming white bar takes pride of place on the far wall, with a separate eating area to the side. It should be tacky but instead Vanilla somehow manages to pull it off. Membership is free although a paid upgrade is available which allows members a multitude of privileges.

The Atmosphere
This venue has all the credentials of a London hot spot and should be full to capacity, but for some reason, perhaps due to its slightly tucked away location, it is a little on the quiet side. The ambience is indeed relaxed and it is a great place for chilled after-work drinks. The intimate vibe also makes Vanilla a good option for a date. There is no need to queue at the bar as table service is the order of the day and the friendly staff are always on hand to help while respecting your privacy.

The Drink
An appealing yet small, seasonal cocktail list is offered and the cocktails are expertly mixed and presented. The signature Vanilla Ice Martini (a fusion of vanilla vodka with a squeeze of lime, apple juice and vanilla syrup) is one to try. Twists on classics such as the strawberry mojito are also popular. The professional mixologists are more than happy to create new concoctions to suit your fancy, which adds to the exclusive feel of the venue. An extensive wine and champagne list is also available. What perhaps separates Vanilla from its central London competitors is the value for money. Cocktails are around £8.50 which makes a pleasant surprise in comparison to other members’ bars. Thursday is also ‘Bellini night’, with discounted champagne on offer.

The Last Word
A beautifully designed venue that manages to mix luxury, reasonable prices and innovation but it’s perhaps missing in terms of atmosphere. A good choice for a relaxed drink in plush surroundings.

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