Eat & Drink
Originally published on Friday, 14th December 2007
The Hide Bar
This aptly named hangout has managed to keep a considerably low profile despite being on the ground floor of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and being a favourite amongst industry types like cocktail connoisseur Simon Difford.
Governer Paul Mathew is verging on nerdish about booze - there is even a library of reference books for you to flick through so if you don't already know the history of your favourite cocktail you will by the time you leave (although whether you'll remember is another matter). But you'll have to wait until January if you want to attend a Tuesday night tasting - the perfect way to conceal your lush tendencies by pretending to be interested in filtering, brewing and terroir.
The place also serves a nice bit of grub; whether you fancy a burger or pan-fried duck breast with red wine jus and roast sweet potato, although they seem to find it difficult separating the food from the alcohol - even the ice cream is spiked with a shot of sherry. Not that we're complaining.
Hours: Mon & Tue: 10am-12am • Wed & Thu: 10am-1am • Fri: 10am-2am • Sat: 12pm-2am • Sun - 12-11pm
Place: 39-45 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3XF
Cost: £30
Web: www.thehidebar.com
Book: 020 7403 6655