Underground London – JW Simpson

The Reverend JW Simpson -Cocktails in London:

London is full of hidden suprises.  London’s newest Cocktail Bar, Rev JW Simpson from the people who brought you Bourne and Hollingsworth looks unassuming enough from the outside and, on a dark winter’s night you might just walk past. But that would be a shame! Named after the eponymous vicar who lived there until the 1980s when apparently the place was temporarily a den of iniquity…its current iteration would undoubtedly be more likely to meet with pious approval.

The basement room is an eclectic mix of decor, left over wallpaper and tiles from times gone past.  But the chairs are comfy, the music laid back blues,  the lighting subtle and needless to say the cocktails are excellent.

They range from the curious to the predictable:  For example, Mead feast – Mead mixed with Basil, Honey and Quince Liqueur, sharpened with Lemon Juice and Bitters as enjoyed by my friend, while I sipped on a slightly less experimental but equally delicious Port-Berry Stinger – Port muddled with blackberries and mint.

It’s a fascinating place to sit people watching.  Unlike a lot of London venues, you CAN book space, so it is perfect for after work drinks or a leisurely evening out.

I went on to enjoy a fizz based cocktail call the Rebourne Royale – which was a mix of Gin, Lime, Elderflower and fizz.  So quintessentially English, even the Rev JW Simpson would have approved I think?

My companion’s second cocktail involved tequila.  Of course it should do shouldn’t it?  The Tequila and Sherry Cobbler is tequila shaken with Sherry, Bitters, Crushed Pineapple and Grapefruit, sweetened with Agave Syrup.

Why might you go?  Well, it’s warm, comfortable and friendly.  The cocktails are interesting, under £10 each, service is great and you can reserve a space for you and your friends.  So why ever wouldn’t you go?

Rev JW Simpson
32 Goodge Street W1T 2QJ