Originally published on Thursday, 15th July 2010

Viajante Bar

Patriot Square, off Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9NF – 020 871 0461 - www.viajante.co.uk

The Lowdown:

So we’ve told you about Nuno Mendes of El Bulli fame enticing you with a delectable menu at his restaurant in the urban gem of Town Hall Hotel. Well now there’s a funky new bar to add to the Viajante name.

Highlights:

To Behold

Pure chic, Viajante boasts 70’s style haute couture furniture and lighting, courtesy of Rare Architecture and Tzuri Gueta. There is also a mesmerising chandelier at its centre and even the bathrooms are a pleasure to behold.

To Munch

Mendes’ menu for the bar is well, heavenly actually. What’s more, it’s affordable too (most dishes are below £9). Among a broad menu that includes sea bass and lobster, the dry aged beef burger with vanilla onions more than does the trick.

To Quaff

There is a large cocktail list including their signature Nomad Martini, with Akvinta vodka as well as an extensive range of beers and wine. They even possess the very last bottle of Martell Creation Cognac in the UK.

We Say:

Tucked inside the exquisite Grade II listed beauty of Town Hall Hotel, Viajante Bar is an urban diamond in the Cambridge Heath Road rough. It is also likely to be a hot contender for similarly super-cool East London joint and nearby neighbour, Bistrothéque.

Need to Know:

Warren Lee (formerly of Hakkassan and Zuma) is the bar manager here and has evidently collected a knowledgeable team of sassy staff. Then of course, there is the aforementioned legend Nuno Mendes, whose experience in chic grub means even a visit to the bar should be done on an empty stomach.