The ViewLondon Review
Maybe it’s just the luck of the Irish that keeps Waxy O’Connors so firmly etched on the West End’s drinking scene. Then again, perhaps it’s the unique decor, fantastic atmosphere and decent selection of drink that has punters returning time and again.The VenueWaxy O’Connors can be accessed via two entrances: the main entrance is on Rupert Street, whilst its other door is situated on Wardour Street. Entering through either door you will be catapulted into a warm, traditional bar complete with a original wooden staircase and solid wooden stools and tables. The layout is unique and slightly quirky thanks to the use of unusual features such as the ornate carvings around the bar and balcony area that give the place an almost Spanish tapas bar feel.
It is difficult to describe how incredibly unique the decor is; the venue has several areas that are available for private hire, each made its own by the carefully thought out theme. There is the Tree Room, which is a favourite among guests for its magical quality; expect to feel transported into a fairytale-like atmosphere reminiscent of the dramatic landscape of Pans Labyrinth. You will be sitting amongst tree branches and tree trunks carved into seating areas that give the impression of being in a cosy and warm mountain lodge. Other areas include the Green Room and Pink Room, both appropriately named due to their colour schemes. At the heart of Waxy O’Connors you will appreciate the more conventional Church Bar with its wooden benches and plinths that make the bar feel almost like an altar. It may be controversial to have a bar decorated as a holy building but it definitely works. The flagstone flooring with its medieval style decorations and the exposed brickwork on the walls will make you feel like you are drinking at the round table and you would not be shocked if King Arthur and his knights were to join you for a pint.
Finally, there’s the Rupert Street Bar, Mezzanine, Cottage (decked out to appeal to your cosier side, complete with gas fire), and Shed. The Shed is sure to appeal to those guys who could imagine nothing better than sitting in the quiet seclusion of a shed – surrounded as you are with traditional Irish tools – pint in hand.
The AtmosphereExpect a very warm and welcoming atmosphere here. Drinks are served with a smile and the crowd follows suit. Do expect to get cosy with fellow drinkers as the bar’s position so close to Leicester Square and Piccadilly means it gets very busy, especially at the weekend or after the offices close and both young and old pop in for a quick drink before bracing rush hour. When the weekend party traffic rolls in you can expect to share tables and couches with other guests but this adds to the overall friendly vibe of the bar and allows the crowd to mingle and get to know each other – in true Irish spirit.
The FoodIf you are in the West End on a Sunday you must try the Sunday Roast at Waxy O’Connors. They offer a choice of beef, chicken or pork served with roast and mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables and, of course, Yorkshire puddings all for just £9.50.
They also serve a variety of dishes here until 10pm every day. Small plates range from £4.20 for their feta cheese salad to £7.50 for the Rossmore oysters. If you are with a group of friends the Waxy platter to share is a snip at £12.50 for crispy potato wedges, garlic and herb bread, thai fishcakes, chilli filo prawns and tender chicken strips with selected dips. The combination is delicious with fresh citrusy flavours broken by the tangy and mildly hot chillies. If you are feeling very hungry then try a traditional Irish dish with a twist by diving into the Waxy’s all day Irish breakfast; grilled pork sausages, bacon, black and white pudding, potato cake, tomato, sauteed flat mushrooms and poached egg – all for just £7.40. The food arrives promptly and every dish on the menu fits the themes of the bar perfectly with carefully chosen, in season produce.
The DrinkWaxy O’Connors is a favourite haunt of many local workers, as well as party goers coming into the West End before hitting the clubs. As such, they have a large – if rather uninspiring – selection of draught beer and lager. Definitely a crowd pleaser. Of course, Guinness makes an appearance, alongside Murpheys, Caffreys, Stella, Carlsberg Export, Fosters and Carling.
If beer isn’t your thing then take your pick from an extensive wine menu with prices varying from £12.95 for a bottle (or £4.40 for a glass) of Chardonnay with a fresh and slightly tropical taste, to £29.95 for a white burgundy that tastes like apple and lemon with a hint of hazelnut. Red wine starts from £12.95 for a bottle (or £4.40 for a glass) of soft and fruity Merlot, and goes up to £29.95 for a Chateau Magnol Bordeaux with its subtle ripe black fruit intertwined with flavours of cassis and plum with ripe tannins. If you want a treat try the Heidsieck Dry Monopole Champagne - it is light, fresh and fruity. Everything a house Champagne should be for a reasonable £29.50. Kick back, relax and enjoy.
The Last WordWaxy O’Connors is a lively and unique retreat that should be recognised for its warm hospitality, wholesome food and extensive range of beer and spirits. It makes for a great night out if you want an unpretentious and reasonably priced bar with a fantastic atmosphere contained in a traditional yet quirky venue.