Barrafina. Parrillan. El Pastor. Quo Vadis.
It seems that when it comes to bars & restaurants, The Hart Brothers truly have the Midas touch. But, you know, without any of the cruel irony that risks their loved ones tragically turning into a café or something.
And the trend seems to be continuing for their latest cocktail joint, Bar Daskal, now open in the shiny new Borough Yards development. It comes as part of a trio that sees a long, snaking corridor connecting it to both the new Barrafina Borough Yards, and Parrillan Borough Yards. It’s simple, very casual, and a great place to start/end the night if you’re dining at either of those places, or to just grab a drink & a snack.
Drop in for a drink, and you’ll find a light, two-floor space with off-white walls, cooling stone floors, and a bar covered in rust-coloured glazed tiles that all give it a thoroughly relaxed Mediterranean vibe. And those white walls are a canvas for the pleasingly multi-coloured geometry of the artworks, all the work of the Hart brothers’ grandfather (who painted under the name Daskal, hence you know, the name).
For the most part, the drinks run the gamut of Spanish wine & sherries, almost all of which are available by the glass. There’s a short list of cocktails backing them up though, and they’re quite refreshing to boot: the Clarita comes with grapefruit & lemon sherbet topped up by draught lager, and the Agua de Valencia gets its bubbles from Cadiz sparkling wine, blended with gin & blood orange.
If you’re after something light to eat, they’ve got a few cold tapas dishes to help you out, but they’re up to the standard of Barrafina (which is down the corridor, so it’s likely they literally come from the same kitchen) including all manner of cured meats, chorizo, air-dried tuna with olive oil & hazelnuts, and even little daily changing ‘cocas’, which are like little cheese-less pizzas. And to cap it all off, there’s an excellent soundtrack blending 60s motown, soul and jazz.
One thing’s for sure – this place is gold.
NOTE: Bar Daskal is open now. There are no bookings – just drop in. You can find out more here.
Bar Daskal | 10 Park St, London, SE1 9AB
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