148 Falcon Road,
Battersea,
London,
SW11 2LW
(020) 7223 9633
The ViewLondon Review
Peacock has ruffled its feathers to reveal a decadent bar. Burlesque and cabaret ensure it doesn’t fade into the background.
The Venue
Peacock Bar is not somewhere you would just happen upon walking around Clapham Junction, although it’s easy enough to find if you are looking for it. This cabaret bar, once the home of a traditional English pub, has been gutted and revamped into a trendy burlesque den.
The decor centres around the bar's namesake – the peacock. Expect lots of blue intermingled with coloured lights set to resemble the colour of the elegant bird’s vibrant tail. With peacock feathers above the bar, which are meant to represent good fortune, the Feng Shui here is spot on. Check your coat and relax on the big comfortable leather bound sofas or wicker back chairs. Before the acts start old classic movies such as Barbarella or Cabaret are projected onto the wall. It would be difficult to get bored at Peacock Bar with all the visual stimulation happening around you.
The Atmosphere
Make sure you book a table in advance if you want a seat for a show because by 9.30pm at the weekend it will be packed. The crowd is a relaxed bunch wearing everything from jeans and T-shirts to top hats and feather boas. Dress as up or down as you like here and everyone is welcome to take a spin around the stripper pole in the centre of the floor. The staff are inviting and the bartenders are attractive and serve your drink with a smile.
The Music
When there aren’t any acts on you can expect a hearty mix of ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s hits. The entertainment is cabaret and burlesque themed, which can vary from night to night with Michael Camperi singing Sinatra ballads or Andy Winehouse impersonating Amy, acting out not only the songs but also the eccentricities of Ms Winehouse.
The Drink
The drinks at Peacock Bar are made by bartenders who understand mixology and that the presentation of a cocktail is just as important as the flavour. Cocktails are £7 and are 2-4-1 Sunday-Thursday. Happy Hours are every Friday-Saturday, 4pm-7pm. The bartenders go well beyond a shot and a mixer and can make any variation of a cocktail that you desire; however, their own list of cocktails is pretty good.
The Bramble is highly recommended, served with crushed ice in a whisky glass topped with a raspberry garnish offering a sweet, decadent taste of gin and blackberry. The Moscow Mule is another highlight comprising vodka and ginger beer. The taste is peculiar but it is one of those odd drinks you just can’t stop drinking. If you are looking for a classic, the mojitos are delicious as are the martinis, served in chilled glasses with decadent garnishes.
Bar favourite Jagermeister is on offer alongside a large assortment of flavored vodkas. The draught beers are £3.70 a pint and the list includes Becks Vier, Guinness, Kronenbourg, Staropramen, Stella Artois, San Miguel, Boddingtons and Scrumpy Jack. In bottles they also offer Corona, Peroni, Tiger, Budvar and Magners Pear. Wine starts at £14 a bottle or £3.70 for a glass.
The Last Word
Peacock Bar is a great place to visit if you are in the market for an unusual night out with good drinks and a relaxed vibe, but don’t want to break the bank.