Eat & Drink
Originally published on Friday, 21st December 2007
Bourne & Hollingsworth
One does get a trifle bored of most of the bars on offer in the West End, doesn't one? Amidst the All Bar Ones clones there are few with much character that don't have flat screen tvs attached to the walls. Which is what makes Bourne & Hollingsworth such a jolly change.
Like a cross between your granny's living room circa WW1 (flowery wallpaper and lace tablecloths) and an illegal drinking den (you have to descend a metal staircase to reach it, the bar itself is tiny and lighting low), the cocktail bar cum tearoom makes you feel like you might have stepped back in time. And with cocktails like Gin Fizz and Great Gatsby and a choice of Laduree macaroons or cupcakes to nibble on, well you might.
Verging on fey, it's the sort of place where having a pencil moustache or wearing a fedora or a teadress (or both - all three might be pushing it) are pretty much obligatory.
The only question that remains is: are you cool enough for Bourne & Hollingsworth?
Hours: Tues-Sun 5pm-1am
Place: 28 Rathbone Place, W1T 1JF
Cost: £15
Web: bourneandhollingsworth.com
Book: 020 7636 8228