#connaughtbar

Before I start, you should probably know that this place is slightly over-priced. Now you know me, I don't mind paying a lot for something that may be worth it. In this case, however, it may not really be worth the entire billion dollars you'll have to fork out for an evening there. This probably is the case because it's a bar and your inhibitions are totally gone after your first (insanely strong) cocktail and you decide to order another round. 

I do however recommend you give the place a try, because there's quite a lot going on. 

The crowd is, well, mixed. There are definitely quite a few beautiful long legged ladies sitting in uncomfortable positions just to make sure all you do see is legs - blame it on them, those dresses are getting shorter every year. There are also a selection of older couples having a drink on a special night out, or older men with not so old women, but hey, that's London.

Evidently, being posh and a place to be, there are a few trainer and hoodie wearing dudes that think they're too cool to dress up. 

The waitresses are all quite good looking and dressed as an air-hostess would be a few years ago. In fact I'm surprised they can stand on such high-heels for so long and have their hair pulled back so far without it coming right off. 

Now for the decor.

I'm sure some extremely famous decorator with a very strange hair-do was called from an exotic place to do it up; but in my mind it looks like an elegant bar has crashed onto the moon.

It's not totally uninteresting, but it's just not my thing. 

By now you must be wondering why I'm telling you about this place if it's only negative. But keep in mind, I only write about places you should try, unless it's worth telling you about a place to really avoid. 

It's the institution, the service, and the drinks that are worth giving a try. First of all, The Connaught is one of the oldest greatest venues in all of London, which is a sure sign of a great establishment. As you arrive, you'll be received either by a waitress or the manager.

If you can wait a tad and be friendly with the manager, I would recommend it; he's the dude with the last word in table selection and you really want to avoid the small ones in dark corners. 

They will then kindly give you a "welcome cocktail" which is tasty, and don't waste it because that's probably the last thing you'll remember. It changes every-time, but it's mostly fruity vodka things. 

Then you'll probably have to take a look at the menu. Now I always like to adapt to the local culture, so please don't be silly and just have a glass of champers' or a beer.

The bar man here won several award, including, I think, the world championship or something or other, so give his concoctions a try!

If I'm honest, I probably shouldn't be writing this review because I can't remember most of the things I tried, but I've had a fair amount of them. Dudes, don't try to be cool and avoid the "girly" ones, because they all end up being relatively feminine (tall glass, pinkish colour, fruit all over the place). 

I'd say, stick to your favourite liquors, and take if from there. I like gin, so I usually have gin-based stuff. Don't just have a classic, it's a bit silly when this guy has fun ideas. There's a seasonal page on the menu too, so probably wise to have one of those...

To boil it down: the connaught is a really, really good cocktail bar if you're trying to impress, or just want one of the world's best drinks. I'd put it up there with the American Bar at the Savoy, another favourite of mine. 

Plus, if you're at the Savoy, you're a hundred meters from Scott's (brilliant, classic fish place I'll tell you about another time), and obviously in The Connaught which holds Hélène Darroze (3 Michelin Star place, yet to try it) and some very cool rooms (a bit old fashioned to my taste, but very comfortable). There's also Hakkasan round the corner...

Give it a try, it's worth it! Bring a girl or pick 'em up there...

http:the-connaught.co.uk