The Cinnamon Club (bar)

Located beneath the aristocratic charms of the Cinnamon Club’s distinguished restaurant, this clean-cut contemporary bar, renovated in 2022, oozes effortless style and glamour with nods to both British and Indian culture, courtesy of London designer Juilet Walmsley.  A great spot for pre- and post-dinner cocktails, and popular too for chic private events, the space is charactersied by curved archways, hide-away alcoves, strokable velvet banquettes, gold curtains and tropical plants, all of which hint at easy-going loucheness. 

A new mixologist brings experience from top bar Mr Lyan – expect vibrant concoctions like the club bellini (Belvedere ginger vodka, apricot puree, spiced rose and Prosecco) or the watermelon-laced red lady. other favourites include lime leaf Collins and ace dry martinis, alongisde Champagne and regional beers. Mocktails are always good and the wine list, packed with interest, is well worth a proper look  Soak all these victuals up with offerings from a bar menu that might include house masala cashews, kadhai spiced olives and moutabal (burnt aubergine sesame dip with pickled vegetables). If hungry, go for something more substantial like chicken tikka and cheese naan, south Indian fried chicken or Amritsari whitebait with a hot garlic sauce. A class act.

The bar at The Cinnamon Club offers a refined yet inviting space where history meets modern luxury. While, The Cinnamon Club is set within the Grade II-listed Old Westminster Library, the bar sits in a cosy enclave separate from the impressive main hall. With plush seating and a modern vibe, it offers something a little different and is an atmospheric bolthole for catching up with friends, impressing clients or planning a romantic date.

The bar menu is as impressive as the setting, showcasing playful yet refined bites infused with bold Indian flavours. Begin with the house-special makhani popcorn, which reimagines a street-snack classic with smoky Old Delhi spices, or the masala cashews, a perfect marriage of garlic, chilli, and fenugreek. The paneer naanza - a fusion of naan and pizza - is topped with scrambled paneer and peppers, while the chicken tikka and cheese naan is an indulgent twist filled with cheddar and spiced chicken. For something heartier, the Chicken 65 delivers crispy bites of South Indian fried chicken, while tempura shrimp with curry leaf and chilli mayonnaise offers a delicate crunch with a fiery kick.

The cocktail list is equally inventive, marrying classic techniques with bold Indian-inspired twists. Sip on the Club Old Fashioned, a warming blend of bourbon with jaggery and cardamom, or try the Fine and Fancy, a delicate concoction of Rangpur gin, elderflower, and yuzu caviar. Adventurous drinkers will love the Tiki-Taka, a fruity blend of rum, coconut, and almond, or the Hakuna-Banana, which combines espresso, banana liqueur, and cacao for a rich, smooth finish. Whether you’re visiting for a celebratory drink or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the bar at The Cinnamon Club is a destination in its own right.