It is a truth universally acknowledged that any part of London with hordes of stressed-out workers must be in want of a good drink.
And sure, in Canary Wharf there are places to get a drink. But the scene has – understandably – been geared mostly towards big, boozy get-togethers with the whole office, who can vent their frustrations with the accounts department over a friendly bout of competitive shooting, before making up over several steins of Löwenbräu and a platter of Bavaria’s finest beige foods.
Until now.
Because Canary Wharf has just netted itself a bona fide cocktail bar. One with sleek interiors, flattering lighting, and exceptional drinks. Somewhere you might just want to take – bear with us – one other person to. And unsurprisingly, it comes to you from the team behind one of Soho’s most elegant cocktail bars, SOMA.
Yes, SOMA Canary Wharf is the second incarnation of the cocktail bar descended from beloved Anglo-Indian restaurants Kricket. And you’ll find it, naturally, right next door to the new Kricket Canary Wharf, sitting crouched beneath the DLR tracks like some futuristic dive bar. Look for the logo glowing next to the door, weave your way through the thick, dark curtains, and you’ll find yourself in a minimalist, stripped-back cocktail cave centred by a large steel-topped bar.
Pull up a stool – every seat’s a counter seat here – and you’ll get a prime view of the ‘tenders as they shake up SOMA’s signature Indian-inflected cocktails. Every drink brings in some of the scent and spice used in the kitchens next door, leading to some highly creative concoctions that you’ll rarely have tasted elsewhere. Unless you’ve been to the original SOMA, obviously.
Highlights include the Apricot, which boosts its fruity protagonist with cognac, fenugreek bitters and a bourbon that the team simmers sous vide with white chocolate, before freezing the mixture and siphoning off the sweetened liquor. It’s fantastic. And if you’re not drinking, the quality of the mocktails is seriously impressive: the 0% Samphire has all the complexity and umami-powered satisfaction of a mellow martini, with samphire tea, Himalayan salt, green chilli and ginger.
There’s plenty to return for, like the pleasantly surprising Perilla with cold brew coffee, perilla tonic and minty Fernet Branca; or the sweetly alluring Raisin with its blend of butter raisin rum, sherry, jasmine and Champagne. And if you’re not in the mood for cocktails, there’s also a list of wines, spirits and beers to choose from…
…but that’s not why you swerved the Bierkelle tonight.
NOTE: SOMA Canary Wharf is open Tuesday – Saturday evenings from 5pm. You can find out more, and make a reservation, on the SOMA website.
SOMA Canary Wharf | 6 Frobisher Passage, E14 5HA
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