Club Bar & Dining

It’s not often that diners sip fine wines and champagne while contemplating a whole roast piglet cooked for 10 people.

But then popular Soho brasserie, The Club Bar & Dining, is full of pleasant anomalies and manages to blend an easy familiarity with the sharp anticipation of a good night ahead.

Even Monday nights bring cheer with the introduction of “Fondue Mondays” and the chocolate fondue a snip at £5 for two people.

The Club Bar & Dining’s chameleonic design, by Shaun Clarkson, combines the sophisticated and the almost rustic with a menu to match. Exposed brick walls, block wood tables with candelabra, banquette seating in the dining area as well as high tables, stools, chairs, and a long bar make up the upper floor. The downstairs bar is about lounging in comfort in armchairs in a deep colour setting with wooden flooring, a fireplace and spot lighting. 

Corporate and private event organisers have warmed to the versatility of the spaces which are now an even bigger hit with the recent installation of a new sound system and DJ facilities in the downstairs bar.

Add the extensive champagne and cocktail list and Club Bar & Dining is primed for the party season. The Christmas canapé menu lists traditional favourites; “Turkey and Cranberry sandwiches”, “Pigs in Blankets” and “Mini Christmas Puddings.” More luxurious options include Lobster Rolls, Malden Rock Oysters and Serrano Ham with Figs.

 
                             Main restaurant bar

However, on a busy night at Club Bar and Dining the occasional hushed awe isn’t induced by a visiting celebrity but by the arrival of the Whole Roast Suckling Pig. The piglets are sourced from Avila in Spain, known for its breeding of acorn feed pigs. The source and the recipe ensure that its succulent smell precedes an impeccable taste on presentation in a large roasting tray on a bed of carrots, onions and celery.

As an indulgent mid-week feast or as festive fare, the experience comes highly recommended as does the efficiently attentive team led by The Club Bar & Dining owner, Brenhan Magee, who keeps a close eye on the technical detail and the bigger picture.

"It's essential to have all the right ingredients at the highest quality when running a restaurant, bar or venue,” he says. “One of these ingredients is sound quality, not just adequate but clear and concise. Our new equipment means we can continue to offer our guests the best possible experience."

                                            Fireplace lower floor

That equipment will be put to the test when the venue hosts its "Seven Deadly Sins" party on New Year's Eve, complete with  DJs, live music and a fancy dress theme inspired by the seven sins. The Club Bar & Dining will offering diners two sittings, at 7pm and 9pm, respectively.

Guests can choose from the à la carte menu including starters such as  Crispy Duck Salad with Piquillo Peppers & French Beans, and Steamed Mussels, Clams & Razor Clams with Chilli Garlic & Parsley Butter. Mains include Whole Roasted Sea Bass and Seared Beef Fillet with Roasted Bone Marrow. A set menu is also available at either £25 for two courses and £30 for three.

New Year's Eve at the bar begins at 8.30pm with £30 securing a complimentary glass of champagne and live music by RnB group, Chase Mo, who have supported both Blu Cantrel and Jamelia. DJ Dezzi D, one of the original DJs for Kiss FM, will take to the decks and keep guests dancing until 3am with playlist taking in everything from Hip Hop to Electro House. R&R Events is the party promoter.