There’s nothing wrong with getting a little bit wobbly in a bar, but some accompanying sustenance is always welcome. Of course, peanuts simply won’t do (this is Squaremeal, darling) so we’ve cherry-picked London’s fanciest bar snacks – take note for your next tipsy outing…
Benares, Mayfair
What: This popular Mayfair bar is launching Indian street food-inspired snacks in September. The menu will include chicken tikka crispy naan with smoked tomato dressing, as well as pickled prawns with crispy rice pani puri (a Mumbai speciality). All snacks are designed to be eaten by hand, so don’t be afraid to get stuck in.
Where: 12a Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, W1J 6BS
Donostia Social Club, Brixton
What: The crowd at this tapas and pinxtos bar at
Pop Brixton is far from mainstream. On the contrary, the tapas are nice and traditional: order Spanish nibbles including Padrón peppers, salt-cod croquetas and this sobrasada toast.
Where: Pop Brixton, 53 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PB
Fera at Claridge’s, Mayfair
What: Simon Rogan is a chef known for risk-taking, so expect small snacks with big bursts of flavour. We like the sound of seaweed crackers served with lemon sole and sea herbs, or how about these mushroom cakes with juniper and fennel? Throw those pork scratchings right in the bin.
Where: Claridge's, Brook Street, W1K 4HR
What: Considering how imaginative the tapas at this self-assured Spanish star are, it’s no surprise that the bar snacks are equally as good. Go for these lobster croquettes, or roasted red piquillo peppers with confit tuna belly – paired with fizz, of course.
Where: Fifth floor, 240 Regent Street, W1B 3BR
Talli Joe, Covent Garden
What: Partial to a spot of ‘pauwa and chakhna’? An ode to the Indian custom of drinking a quarter bottle of alcohol alongside a snack, Talli Joe is the place for you. Test out the Old Delhi No.6 cocktail, mixing vodka, orange juice, lime, spices and rooh afza syrup (concentrated squash), paired with a cheesy pakora chaat and green chilli chutney. It’s guaranteed to give your taste buds a kick.
Where: 152-156 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8HL
What: The ground-floor wine bar here offers up some hunger-quenching snacks, alongside an impressive wine list. Have a go on the tapa plate of grilled chorizo, guindilla chillies, marinated olives, grilled artichoke, babaganoush, fig and orange preserves and Après Soleil cheese – definitely one for sharing unless you’re famished.
Where: 109 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4RX
What: With smashing views of London and a distinctly ‘city’ vibe, Oblix is a great place for post-work drinks. Snack on salami croutons and rosemary, fried squid with chilli and lime, or this king crab mac + cheese. This one’s perfect for payday because, like the view, prices are sky-high…
Where: Level 32, The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
If you're planning your weekend, don't forget to take a look at our list of late-night London bars: night tube, we salute you.
This article was published 26 August 2016