Patch bar is a strikingly stylish haven by St Paul’s for the young and trendy City workers who work hard and play hard without spending a fortune. Spread over two floors and with a restaurant, cocktail and wine bar and modern club, Patch can fulfil demands of comfort and convenience for large groups and corporate get-togethers.
How you see it all depends on what mood you’re in, what the occasion is, the time of day and how big your group is – sit at the bar, have a meal with colleagues, seal that deal over an informal business meeting, lounge with friends and even have a dance.
They focus on friendly service and like the atmosphere lively, with RnB DJ events until the wee hours on Thursdays and Fridays. They also sometimes hosts singles’ nights for the most eligible bachelor and bachelorettes in London.
They are all about high-class drinks. The bespoke list of cocktails mixes classic drinks with their own creative concoctions, boasting fresh ingredients and homemade infusions. Show off with the giant punch bowls like the Millionaire Punch with rum, fresh fruit, loads of liqueurs, a bottle of champagne and 18ct gold flakes sprinkled on top or have a taster of all with the Box of Mystery – a specially presented box of 20 ‘mini me’ cocktails.
Their website claims that they hate when wine lists are made up of Chardonnay, Chardonnay and even more Chardonnay. So they’ve made a special effort with a true mix of vintages from around the world, with plenty available by the glass.
We’re in the City and we know how much you guys like your bubbles, so the offering of eight different types including a rather nice Dom Perignon magnum from 2000 goes down a triumphant treat.
Beers and cider? Again, it’s all about giving you something you recognise but also something a bit different. So you’ll find Becks and Magners but also Innis and Gunn honey-aged beer and strawberry and lime cider.
What’s on the menu? For lunch, it’s relaxed and informal with an international mix of sandwiches, big salads, meat from the grill and classic British European and Asian-influence dishes. During the evening, there is still the great selection of burgers and sandwiches, as well as sharing slates with a combination of tasty morsels that are perfect for group grazing – from cured meats and seafood to grilled skewers, barbecued wings and plenty for your vegetarian friends too.
Hidden on a backstreet near St Paul’s Cathedral, it’s easy to think that it’s just a daytime eating and drinking venue. As the day goes on, it’s downstairs where the fun happens. And if there’s one thing they do take seriously, it’s fun.
We can certainly see why it has been voted best after work party venue in the City with fantastic half price happy hour from 5pm every day, award-winning DJs and group bookings from 2 to 400.
| 58-60 Carter Lane, London, EC4V 5EA | Transport: St Paul’s tube |
| Telephone: +44 020 7489 7777 | Open: Mon-Fri 17:00-00:00, Sat avaliable for hire, Sun closed |
| Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 17:00-19:00 | Website |
