With ice cubes capable of sinking the Titanic, I could only be in one of my favourite watering holes, The London Gin Club.
This gin lover’s paradise is situated 100 metres off Oxford Street, equidistant from Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road tube stations, essential knowledge, as driving is not an option following a visit.
Reminiscent of a discreet 1920s speakeasy, it hides behind the facade of a typical London boozer named The Star, on the corner of Great Chapel Street and Hollen Street. People scurry by without a second glance, but when this temple to gin opens its saloon doors, the London Gin Club signs are put in place, to alert those of us in the know.
Despite its name you don’t need to be a member, but you do need to love gin, which fortunately for your reviewer is no hardship. Booking whilst not essential is advisable, particularly Thursday to Sunday and you will be asked for how long you wish to reserve the table. A weeks’ notice is sufficient for small groups and 2 weeks’ notice for larger gatherings would be my top tip, but I have been known to pop in alone, on the off chance of finding a seat.
Being faced with a choice of 190 different gins can be intimidating, but the friendly team behind this venture are on hand to guide you through the menu depending on your tastes.
For the less risk averse, there is the Gin Wheel of Fortune which purports to take the angst from ‘Gindecision.’ A spin of the wheel will decide the type of glass and another, the type of gin.
Inside the ground floor continues the typical London boozer look, wooden tables and chairs and walls covered with enamel advertising signs from the 1930s and 40s, but walk down the spiral staircase and you are presented with a modern basement area replete with clean lines and modern seating.
The staff dressed in black, bustle between tables delivering drinks and advice on gin in equal measure amidst the hubbub of conversation and the jazz playing in the background. The enthusiasm for gin is infectious and it is difficult not to covet the gin being brought to neighbouring tables.
Gin in all its botanical, spicy glory comes in a huge balloon glass, imported from Spain, big enough both to allow flavours to mingle and to swirl satisfyingly in the hand. Garnished with orange peel, thyme or a myriad of other colourful additions and sparkling with carefully selected tonic water, at £8.00 to £9.50 a glass, this is gin to be savoured.
Some food is available, but this is more to soak up the alcohol. Here gin is the thing.
My favourite? Well I haven’t had time to sample them all, but a man should have an ambition.
To date I’d choose the ‘Sacred Cardamom’ which comes replete with a thick slice of blood orange, though I am told that this is an acquired taste.
Thankfully I seem to have acquired it.
For details of booking and opening time please visit http://thelondonginclub.com
