Looking to be the next thoroughly cosmopolitan affair when it comes to Gin in the city, premium dining company Searcys and heralded art venue the Barbican Centre have announced Gin Joint.
Boasting an 88 seat dining area and a 30 cover bar, Gin Joint hopes to be one of the finest establishments for Gin tipples in London thanks to its sleek, natural decor, copper light features and collection of nearly 40 London Dry Gins. From an exclusive Gin Club and ‘Gin Democracy’ to a restaurant menu of British classics from their Bertha grill, Gin Joint could be the holy grail for juniper enthusiasts in London.
Having moved slightly more toward the booze than its previous incarnation, where drinking definitely played second fiddle to dining, the Gin Joint bar can get really busy at times, especially pre-show. The restaurant area is a little quieter (which is no bad thing) and seems to prove popular with those sophisticated sorts catching one of the Barbican’s more high-brow events. The incredibly friendly staff could perhaps do with a bit more drilling, but their affability wins through.
Searcys boasts a pretty sound reputation, whether it’s for their catering, their event spaces or their restaurants and bars. And while they’re never going to be the cheapest outfit, their repute is justified, with a variety of venues that serve up some seriously good plates of food. Here, executive chef Oliver Tobias has put together an uncomplicated selection of well-executed British dishes, with the particularly impressive meaty mains cooked on a Bertha Grill, which is an indoor barbecue, of sorts.
Funnily enough gin plays the biggest role here. It’s certainly well-timed (gin is enjoying something of a renaissance, with some very good indies popping up) but it also seems a good fit for Searcy’s – it’s a very British drink that’s synonymous with London, too. Gin Joint boasts a comprehensive Gin selection, and what with it being one of the only bars in London to have Brokers chilled on tap, there’s a little exclusive right there.
Their ‘Ultimate G&T’ (£8.50) is thankfully pretty good: served with Fever Tree Tonic, there’s a big whack of booze from Beefeater London Dry and just the right squeeze of lemon. You’re better off creating your own G&T by choosing from the impressive selection of gins available, with not-oft seen options such as Boodles, Whitley Neill and Geranium London Dry all good choices.
Signature cocktails impress too, especially the Lambeth Lemonade (£9) that combines Beefeater 24, Lillet Blanc, raspberry syrup and lemonade. Each evening from 5.00pm until 8.00pm ‘Gin Democracy’ gives you a chance to try out any of the extensive gin list for just £7.50. There’s also a solid selection of wines, with a very pleasing amount on offer by the glass and the carafe.
Overlooking the Barbican Lakeside, Gin Joint truly looks set to be a luxurious after work affair. The fact that it now works well as both a bar and restaurant should ensure it remains popular.
| Level 2, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS | Transport: Barbican or Moorgate |
| Telephone: +44 020 7588 3008 | Open: Mon-Fri 11:00-22:30, Sat & Sun 17:00-22:30 |
| Email: ginjoint@barbican.org.uk | Website |
