After almost a year and a half of lockdowns and social distancing, this weekend saw the last of many restrictions being eased across the UK. The scenes around the capital city last night resembled that of New Years’ Eve, with parties being held in celebration at many of London’s top night clubs, as people celebrated with countdowns, bubbles and dancing. As the temperature soars and venues undoubtedly get busier, many of us will be searching for somewhere to cool off and enjoy a fruity tipple. That’s where Bourne and Hollingsworth step in as Clerkenwell’s best loved bar and restaurant – suitable for brunching with friends, reuniting over dinner, and, of course, a cocktail (or three)…
The venue itself, situated on Northampton Road, is something to shout about. With seven different areas for eating, drinking and dancing, the interiors are bright and airy, with lots of natural night – making it the perfect spot to enjoy warmer London evenings. An abundance of plants fill the space, alongside plush armchairs and floral fabrics. The venue is an influencer’s dream – que a weeks worth of ‘aesthetic’ content.
As well as swoon-worthy interiors, B&H boasts a stellar brunch menu available on Saturdays and Sundays – the venue has become famous for its pancake stacks with caramelised bananas. For £37, guests can enjoy a two course brunch alongside bottomless bellinis and mimosas. Aside from brunch, the sample menu includes seared fillet of venison with mustard & fennel sauce, followed by smoked halibut with poached duck and seaweed sauce.
More recently, the bar has launched their innovative ‘Living Bar’ cocktail menu, where guests are invited to ‘grow’ their own cocktails. The menu is compiled of a range of summer tipples, all created with herbs grown in the Bourne & Hollingsworth indoor edible garden. “Inspired by nature’s larder, each drink comes with a recommended garnishing option with tinctures, jams, shrubs and scented mists designed to capture the essence of a British summer”.
Guests are invited to shake their own jam jars – from the ‘Rosalita’ with Malfy Rosa gin and raspberry & sorrel gin to the ‘Tiki Tok’; a rum based cocktail with apricot & ginger jam. The experience is immersive, allowing guests to ‘personalise’ their own cocktails and giving Londoners the chance to drink something that isn’t a pornstar martini (side note – we still love a good pornstar).
After dinner and drinks, head to the Below & Hidden bar – a secret late night bar and club designed to look and feel like ‘the dark, cool and moody alter ego to its light and airy sister venue upstairs’. With amazing music and a luxe interior, the downstairs jaunt is the perfect spot to carry on what was an intimate dinner into the early hours of the morning.
With outstanding food, innovative cocktails and a late night basement, Bourne and Hollingsworth buildings is the perfect space for ‘Freedom’ day celebrations, and the perfect day to night location a stone’s throw away from central London.
