"The Athenaeum has officially unveiled the boutique Whisky Bar," the press release said. Admittedly, this was our first visit so we can't be sure but it really didn't look shiny-new. We certainly weren't the first to sit on the plush purple couches and whoever did the hoovering must have missed the runaway brazil nuts under the tables. Still, it was early and sunshine can be so unforgiving. Under cover of darkness, the subtle lamp light and comfy cushions would make the bar's cosy corners very enticing. The music is inoffensive, the walls are lined with whisky and it's warm, like a new-world opium den. Bring me my book and slippers.
There are over 270 whiskies on the menu - many of them rare and collectable. If you've got the time (and the money), you can work your way from the Scottish Highlands to Japan, with Wales, Ireland and others in between. We were particularly pleased to see some decent North American offerings, like Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and Blanton's Gold, as well as a Canadian favourite - Seagram's VO.
Things got off to a rocky start with a glass of slightly warm and decidedly average white wine. (Ok, it was the cheapest on the menu and we were curious...) Thankfully, the Mandarin Trace was superb - a fresh and summery blend of Buffalo Trace, Cointreau, peach liqueur, grapefruit and lime juice. Priced at £10.50, it's short and sweet but packs plenty of punch. One is plenty.
There are long drinks, Martinis and Champagne cocktails on the bar menu, as well as a decent range of cigars (though where you can smoke those is anyone's guess). Hungover hotel guests might be interested in the Eastern Shore, which is The Athenaeum's twist on the Bloody Mary. The combination of spicy tomato juice, horseradish infused vodka and a grilled king prawn garnish sounds like an excellent way to start the day.
If you're hungry, check out their posh snacks, sweets and nibbles menu here.
Comments