Soho is renowned for its bars, restaurants, shops and nightlife, and it is also famous for being the location of one of the top cocktail bars in the UK. The bar in question called Swift, located on Old Compton Street, is a one of a kind and it is clear to see why it ranked 2nd in The Top 50 Cocktail Bars. Split over two floors, with the main traditional bar on the ground floor, and the shadowy cocktail lounge with intimate alcoves located underground.
The ‘Upstairs Bar’ has table service and a small menu of small appetising dishes including oysters, which are perfect before an evening of entertainment. The Upstairs Bar is the more lively area, and has sophisticated interiors with significant ‘art-deco’ styling. There are two different cocktail menus, with a longer, more whisky focused menu found in the downstairs bar, whilst upstairs has a menu comprising of the classics and also being inspired by the ‘Italian Aperitif Moment’.
The Downstairs Bar however, offers a different dynamic to that of the Upstairs Bar, as it is only possible to have a table there through booking and the atmosphere is the complete opposite. Dimmed lighting, deep reds and gold’s are the colours of choice and a more hedonistic selection of furniture; including crimson leather alcoves greet you as you enter the bar. It is designed in a way that caters for a more atmospheric and intimate evening, and the cocktail menu compliments this. With a longer menu that is whisky orientated, you can expect to find more bold tasting cocktails than upstairs, whilst still keeping classics such as Manhatten’s and Old Fashioned’s.
Swift offers a very personal and individual service that many bars do not offer. The craft of cocktail making is still at the heart of their ethos at Swift and the bar staff are artisans. Whatever the occasion, a trip to Bar Swift, Soho should be on every cocktail lovers list, as it is a place that is committed to creating amazing tasting drinks, whilst in chic, sophisticated surroundings.
Link to Bar Swifts Website: http://www.barswift.com
Photo's courtesy of Bar Swift.