This regards a place inside a place inside a place.
Working from the outside in, these places are: The Artist Residence boutique hotel in Pimlico, inside which is located The Cambridge Street Kitchen (helmed by a head chef from Dean Street Townhouse), inside which is the subject of today’s lecture – Clarendon Cocktail Cellar.
A subterranean basement bar serving up cocktails inspired by authors and iconic pieces of literature, The Cellar contains antique cast iron library shelves, vintage marine lamps, red leather bar stools, a dedicated table tennis room and artwork from the Lawrence Alkin gallery – all of which is carefully topped off by a tin tile ceiling.
Alongside a small caboodle of wines and an assortment of local beers you’ll find the main reason for heading here: sippable incarnations of classic books like Alice in Wonderland, Peter Rabbit, and Nietzche (a surprisingly uplifting blend of fig leaf, tonka-infused sherry, white vermouth and rye whisky). And these are exactly the types of drinks you want to be served in a place like this, because each one will offer you the perfect opportunity to impress whomever you’ve taken there with your expansive knowledge of literature. All you need to do is remember to Google the relevant books before arriving.
Each of the cocktails – which combine boutique spirits with homemade tinctures and infusions – are served up on coasters displaying the literary inspiration in question, alongside complimentary ‘bacon dust’ popcorn.
Which is basically like gold dust…
…only more in demand.
NOTE: Clarendon Cocktail Cellar runs on a predominantly walk in basis, however you can make a reservation for groups of four or more by calling 020 3019 8622.
Clarendon Cocktail Cellar | 52 Cambridge Street, SW1V 4QQ
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