Last Updated on January 13, 2025
Thirteen LDN – A Decadent Soho Escape
Denmark Street, a sliver of Soho that hums with history, is as storied as it is short. Once a quiet residential lane named for Prince George of Denmark, it transformed over centuries into the pulsing epicentre of British music, earning the moniker “Tin Pan Alley.” Here, publishers, songwriters, and legends like Bowie and Hendrix once strolled, their melodies spilling from every doorway. By the 1960s, it had become the spiritual home of the rebellious and iconic, hosting the Sex Pistols and Rolling Stones recording sessions, and a thriving subversive scene. Today, that energy is channelled into Thirteen LDN, a cocktail bar opened in February 2023 by Chateau Denmark, Soho’s opulent five-star boutique hotel. Blending historic grit with rock-and-roll glamour, Thirteen LDN stands as a modern tribute to the creativity and cultural royalty that has defined Denmark Street since 1911.
I ventured over on Friday night, and Soho was alive with energy, and so was Thirteen LDN. Tucked into a prime corner spot at the end of Denmark Street, this dimly lit bar exudes gothic allure, its dark interiors practically dripping with decadent charm. The décor is a theatrical feast for the eyes, with glowing red lights casting an intoxicating glow over plush red and deep turquoise velvet seating, framed by rich red velvet curtains. A mirrored ceiling and a crucifix above the door set the tone, while chain curtains embedded with famous portraits add a provocative edge, further enhancing the extravagance of marble accents, Japanese influences, and lush, sumptuous vases. It’s bold, it’s sexy, and gothic, with a splash of glamour, a touch of rock-and-roll, and more than a hint of nightclub decadence.
A carefully curated soundtrack of old and new played over the stereo, never so loud that you couldn’t chat, which, in my opinion, makes all the difference. It’s a space designed for indulgence, conversation, and a touch of unapologetic hedonism.
The staff were warm and welcoming, swiftly ushering us to our seats as we settled in with our first cocktails of the night. Thirteen LDN offers a stellar selection, from Signature drinks to Liveners and Classics with a Twist. I’m always drawn to the classics, provided they’re done right, and my vodka martini certainly didn’t disappoint. My companion, however, decided to be more adventurous and chose the Hello Lola: a refreshing mix of BACARDÍ Carta Blanca Rum, Amaro Lucano, coconut, fresh mint, lime, and Double Dutch lemon. It was zesty, minty, with a hint of spice – like being transported straight to a sun-kissed beach.
The menu takes its cue from Japanese cuisine, offering a selection of dishes perfectly suited for pairing with cocktails. We started with some irresistible chicken and duck gyozas, their crispy edges giving way to juicy, flavourful fillings. Then came the main event, a vibrant feast of tacos. The salmon tacos were a mix of sweet mango, red onion, chilli, spicy mayo, and coriander, while the snow crab tacos delivered a punchy combination of red pepper, carrot, pickled ginger, and a kick of kimchi…fresh, bold, and designed to keep the cocktails flowing.
And they did. My Gothic Fire – a sultry mix of Amaretto Disaronno, Campari, passion fruit, citrus, and cranberry bitters, was soft, luscious, and perfectly balanced. My companion’s Soho offered a bold mix of Four Roses Bourbon, Martini Riserva Rubino, peach and Maraschino liqueurs, and Peychaud’s bitters – rich, complex, and utterly indulgent.
Next came the Signature Rolls – generous plates of sushi (we may have over-ordered! ). The Christmas in Hawaii rolls blended salmon, mango, cream cheese, shrimp, and lime mayo for a creamy, zesty hit. Thirteen’s signature roll was pure indulgence, with shrimp, snow crab, salmon, cucumber, spicy mayo, lime mayo, tobiko, red chilli, and their irresistible “imagine” sauce – a bold and flavourful feast.
For our final round of cocktails, my friend opted for the intriguingly named Good Evening Mr. Fierce – a bold Manhattan-style concoction featuring Hennessy VS, Martini Riserva Rubino, Chinotto liqueur, Amaretto Disaronno, and rhubarb bitters. Garnished with cherry and chocolate, it was a stark contrast to their earlier choice, dry, bitter, and unapologetically grown-up, the kind of drink that puts hairs on your tongue. I, meanwhile, returned to one of the classics, indulging in Thirteen’s twist on a margarita: El Rayo Plata Tequila, Cointreau, and lime, a refreshingly sharp and timeless way to end the evening.
Thirteen is the perfect Soho escape. With cocktails around £14, it’s just as easy to pop in for a quick drink and a Japanese-inspired snack, or, if you’re in the mood to indulge like we were, dive into a full-blown feast and explore their exceptional cocktail menu. Opulent and vibrant – a proper night on the town.
Address: Thirteen LDN, 1-3 Denmark Street, London, WC2H 8LP
Thirteen Ldn opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 12pm – 11:30pm
Friday & Saturday: 12pm -12am
Sunday: Closed
www.chateaudenmark.com/thirteen
Phone: 020 3656 1008
Leave a Reply