117 Charterhouse Street,
Smithfield,
London,
EC1M 6AA
(020) 7253 3003
The ViewLondon Review
Trying hard to offer something different by combining a winning team of dramatic decor and sweet, sweet cocktails, Tart brings a touch of glamour to this corner Clerkenwell.
The Venue
Tart is located down a small cobbled street leading to the flashy Malmaison Hotel on Charterhouse Square, in the heart of Clerkenwell opposite Smithfield Market. About five or ten minutes walk from either Farringdon or Barbican underground stations, it’s housed in a stunning converted vestry, and identified by a simple, classy brown and gold signage.
Inside, the drama steps up several notches with gothic arches, heavy dark sofas, and the feel of a smoky Victorian gentleman’s club drawing room (minus the smoke these days). Adorning the walls are various portraits of tarts, some of whom are even eating tarts!
The Atmosphere
Tart draws a cool after work crowd from Monday to Friday, wearing anything from Converse and skinny jeans to their pinstripe office suits. The bar stays open until 4am all week to keep the crowd in a party mood, though they’re closed to all but private parties at the weekend. The staff are a winning team of master cocktail mixologists, top chefs, and eager to please waiting staff, and close attention is paid by all to getting every detail right, with table service and friendly (flirty?) smiles for everyone.
The Food
Offering a good British menu, the food at Tart comes with a heavy emphasis on red meat – well, it’d be a shame not to when you’re this close to Smithfield Market, wouldn’t it? With great British treats like venison or a 28 day rump steak, you’ll need a big appetite and pretty deep pockets too, with main courses priced up to £25 and starters around a tenner. There are promotions on these prices at certain times though.
The Drink
Tart is all about excellent cocktails. Top mixologists execute great mojitos and cosmopolitans alongside more exciting creations on the Tartini pudding cocktail menu, with lemon meringue and rhubarb and custard just two of the sickly sweet offerings. At around £7, they’re not overpriced and there are none of the stingy skinny glasses you’d find in lots of other venues.
The Last Word
Tart tries hard to get every detail just right, though the overall experience is not terribly memorable. That said, you’ll enjoy good cocktails in a fun setting, and it’s head and shoulders above the chain bar offerings that dominate this part of town.