(The Scotch is now closed. RIP)
I have a new New Favourite Bar. As regular readers of this site know, I cannot resist those little hidden hangouts in dark corners with debaucherous vibes and amazing cocktails. It’s what makes me think time and time again that London is the best city in the world to party in. The only problem is, sometimes they can be difficult to find as, chances are if no ones taken you there, you’d never find them yourself. Fear not though! We will lead the way for you…
The Scotch is exactly one of those places. Tucked away in Mason’s Yard behind Fortnum and Masons is this original rock star’s den. Walk in through unmarked black doors and into the tiny upstairs bar where a small team of incredibly skilled bartenders are showing off their skills and try the Scotch Sour – to die for. I’m instantly sucked in to the dark cosiness of it. Look up to the left of the bar above the staircase and there is an impressive list of rock legends that have graced their intimate stage including The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles and The Who when it was originally open in the 1960s. Most famously, Jimi Hendrix played his first ever gig there.
Walk downstairs and you’ll find an achingly cool crowd of beautiful boys and girls dimly lit and draped round little booths, captivated by the new talent on stage that will surely join The Scotch hall of fame in the future. It’s unsurprising that they pull this type of crowd though. The manager here, Russell Burgess, ever charming – but with a twinkle in his eye (naturally), was part of the original team at the infamous The Box in Soho. He seems to have taken all the bits of The Box that work, the rawness, the playful and creative atmosphere and the fantastic drinks, but without any of the gimmick or the pretence that seemed to have found its way there in recent months when I last visited.
I was lucky enough to be invited down to a little event here hosted by the gorgeous girls from It’s Rude to Stare and in association with Remy Martin. Upstairs Remy Martin VSOP cocktails flowed freely where the French Mojito was definitely a favourite, and the smell of mint wafted through the air as you made your way to the bar. Downstairs there was the opportunity to try the delicious super-premium Remy Martin XO, which was paired beautifully with indulgent dark chocolate truffles from Charbonnel et Walker. This event is going to be a monthly affair so keep your eyes peeled on their site for details of the next one, and you too might have the chance to relive rock history in this little known utopia.
The Scotch immediately seduced me, and I already have, and certainly will again, return. The dangerous thing about this place though is that time seems to stand still. It draws you in completely, and before you know it, it’s 5am. Whoops!
Image Credits: Main Picture, https://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com. Other images: It’s Rude to Stare
nice