“Possibly the best Cocktail Bar and Venue in the City of London”
First impressions are vitally important in the hospitality trade. Neo, a brand spanking new stylish basement bar around the corner from Barbican tube, has nothing to worry about in this respect. It’s a beautifully designed space fashioned out of rugged quartz stone imported from India and reclaimed industrial piping. This is one venue where your initial impression turns into a favourable lasting one.
Neo is a stylish cocktail bar and events venue located in the City of London. Opening its doors in 2010, Neo is now recognised as one the City’s leading venues when it comes to hosting corporate drinks, celebrations and events.
As well as accommodating some of the city’s leading companies and institutions, Neo has also become an increasingly popular city venue of choice to host key celebrations such as milestone birthdays, wedding and engagement celebrations.
The interior is mesmerising. With rocky, rippled effect textured walls, discreet, moody lighting, crushed velvet chairs with a mottled-effect and tables with gold studs around their perimeter show that this is a space with an eye for fashion and an experienced hand behind the design. It’s a compact rectangle room, one that’s dark and mysterious, but unlike some basement bars that only come into life in the wee small hours, Neo is just as well versed during the day as it is after dark.
At Neo they pride themselves on the basic philosophy of using the best quality ingredients and world class spirits in their range of sublime, innovative cocktails. Each cocktail concoction has been specially designed with selected spirits, fresh fruits and refreshing juices. The list has been carefully researched and constructed by an in-house team who previously worked at some of London’s premier drinking destinations. Each drink has a little bit of history attached to its written description and premium ingredients come as standard.
Neo also offer a wide range of an interesting selection of beers which many have rarely come across before. Beers all come in bottles and go for a more obscure international angle. Viru (£3.95) from Estonia, Kasteel Cru (£4.75) from France and Blue Moon (£4.50) from North America are amongst the shortlist. Meanwhile, there are wines to suit ever palate and pocket. Some of which are firm favourites and some more unusual ones to try out.
The Champagne list starts off with Veuve Clicquot, at £9.95 a glass or £59.95 a bottle, and if you’re in the mood to indulge in more premium cuts, prices escalate to the £345 mark for the Louis Roederer Cristal.
Fancy a nibble? From a simple Margherita to a spicy Piccante, there are a range of pizzas available. – An Italian-inspired food menu is now in place at Neo. A passion for all things pizza has led the management to invest a lot of time into making their own dough every day, sourcing premium ingredients and dishing everything up with care and attention – there are no corners cut here. You can choose from eleven classic pizzas, which start from an infinitely reasonable £6 for a Margherita, with the most expensive option only costing £8.50. Two good choices are the Piccante (spicy salami, mushroom and olives) and the Quattro Stagioni (ham, peppers, mushrooms and artichokes), as both are evidently made using good quality produce.
As Neo has become a massively popular space for private bookings and events, sharing platters are very much in demand. Cheese, vegetarian and meat are all available, with the likes of the bresaoloa di manzo (£8.95/£16.95), another nod to the delights Italy has to offer in the way of cured meats. It is served with rocket, parmesan, olives and bread. For those watching their waistlines, a range of lighter salads are on offer too.
| 14-17 Carthusian Street, Barbican, London, EC1M 6AD | Transport: Barbican tube |
| Telephone: +44 020 7726 8925 | Open: Tues-Thurs 12:00-00:00, Fri 12:00-late, Sat 17:00-late, Sun-Mon open for events only |
| Happy Hour: 2-4-1 on cocktials Tues-Fri 16:30-19:30 (extended to 21:00 on Tues) | Website |
