There are occasions when, on finding yourself in need of a good drink in Soho, you require a place that’s as charismatic, enigmatic and good-looking as you are.
We happen to know just the place.
It’s called Zum Barbarossa, and it’s sailed over here from Amsterdam. It’s run by the same team behind The Seafood Bar on Dean Street, and that’s where you’ll find this new lavish den of hedonism, hidden away deep in the moodily lit basement of the huge 1730 Georgian townhouse that houses the restaurant itself on the ground floor.
Once you’ve found the place and descended the stairs, you’ll find a space that’s like a seductive, retro fever dream bathed in sultry red, where warm lighting spills across Art Nouveau-inspired accents, creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts intimate and flamboyant. There’s a central island wrapped with studded banquette seating and a cluster of fringed ruby lampshades overhead, while all around the rest of the space are romantic little nooks perfect for hiding away with a date – especially the brick-walled vaults tucked round the back of the bar.
Putting the bar in Barbarossa is a menu of classic cocktails with a twist, from the highly drinkable Tommy’s Spicy Mezcalita (laced with habanero bitters) to a Zespresso Martini with white chocolate liqueur and a Penicillin Sour which, with ginger, honey and lemon – and a couple of whiskies – feels like it could almost be good for you.
Then there’s the bar snacks, which comes directly from The Seafood Bar’s excellent kitchen, and should tee you up nicely if you’re heading upstairs for dinner afterwards. You could start with some elegantly dressed oysters with either passionfruit lime oil, or prosecco with strawberry pearls & shallot vinaigrette, before moving onto more carby drinking buddies like the highly moreish crab cakes and the chunky truffle & parmesan chips.
And to complete the picture, on weekends there are DJs manning the decks to bring a toe-tappingly deep house vibe to it all.
Now go get your dancing shoes.
NOTE: Zum Barbarossa is open Thursday – Saturday, 5pm – 12.30am. You can find out more, and make a booking, on the Zum Barbarossa website.
Zum Barbarossa | 77 Dean Street, W1D 3SH
Want dinner beforehand? Head to one of Soho’s best restaurants…