Having spent an inordinate amount of time visiting high-end cocktail bars in London for a cocktail feature, I can safely say Long Bar at the Sanderson is one of the most stunning, dramatic cocktail bar you will find in London. You would not expect anything less from the famed designer, Philippe Starck. The glowing onyx bar is the stand-out piece of artwork in this boutique hotel frequented by socialites and mere mortals alike. At around 80 feet in length, there is no less fitting a name for this imbibing institution. It could quite easily be called the white bar as well as you can see from the photo below. It feels light, radiant and spotless and clearly a popular meeting point for the fashionista crowd.
If you are coming in a larger group or bar space is lacking, they also have a cosy, heated outdoor Courtyard for those who want to enjoy a degree of fresh air.
They have a fine balance of classic cocktails as well as innovative new options. The gin revival is showing little signs of abating with plenty of delectable gin options on their menu. We tried various options with the highlight being their signature cocktail, Sanderson which had a refreshing mixture of Beefeater gin, lychee juice, melon liqueur, lime and aperol. Others were a twist on the classic gin and tonic with added cinnamon or swapping the tonic with Prosecco and adding in elderflower liqueur.
Martini lovers should try their Poire 3 ways, which included 3 mini Martini’s: Grey Goose La Poire; Kraken spices and pear; Meszcal, cacao and pear.
It might be a bar menu but they do have some very substantial options. There are various small plate choices which are the ideal accompaniments to their cocktails. We tried very well cumin-spiced butternut squash arancini balls as well as addictive crispy kale chips with aioli.
For those with a bigger appetite, their pasta dishes are particularly filling, although hopefully, you do not suffer from fungo phobia. Their penne is filled with earthy wild mushrooms and truffle, whilst their hearty potato gnocchi is accompanied by spring vegetables and you guessed it, truffle.
They do serve a Mad Hatters Tipsy Evening Tea as well, so there might be the odd sight of you savouring your pasta dinner dish whilst other guests are enjoying their fine pastries from their tea set.
baldwin@townfish.com