Compton Cross Review
OnIn.London recently visited The Compton Cross, which is the re-imagining of well loved Soho pub Molly Moggs. Now we were regulars at Molly Moggs, so had a lot of memories there but we were keen to see how The Compton Cross would live up. We were pleased that The Compton Cross would be paying homage to Molly Moggs’ roots with twice weekly Drag Queen shows.
These shows take place Wednesday nights from 8pm and Sundays from 6pm. Entertainment is free but reserving tables in advance is recommended. While the makeover has done wonders to the bar, it is still one of the smaller venues in Soho. Seriously while it still has the same ascetic and warmth of Molly Moggs, the upgrade has turned The Compton Cross into an intimate and classy bar. The Compton Cross really is beautiful now.
New owners, the Marmalade Pub Company have also extended 2-4-1 Happy Hours throughout the week. Count us in, we love a good happy hour and with signature cocktails starting at £8.50 – you know where you’ll find us when we’re drinking in Soho. All Marmalade Pub Company bar staff are trained mixologists so we were pretty confident the cocktails would be on point. The bar manager explained that the cocktails were made with house infused spirits and that this made them extra special.
The fabulous bar staff had us stocked up with cocktails such as the OH MY! (Cucumber & Ginseng Gin, Nectarine Elderflower Liqueur, Cranberry Juice, Lemon Juice, Basil Syrup), CIDER CAR (Apple Rum, Triple Sec Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Lemon Grass Syrup, Cider), BLACK SAPPHIRE (Wild Berry Gin, Blackberry Liqueur, Lime Juice, Mint) and the WIBBLE (Wildberry Gin, Sloe Gin, Pink, Grapefruit, Lemon juice). All were way too easy to drink and had us feeling merry on a Wednesday night.
As well as offering a huge range of cocktails and handmade liquor all listed in their funky newspaper style menus, The Compton Cross now offers pizzas! We didn’t try one but we know we’ll be back to try one, especially as the daily deal of an artisan pizza with a pint of craft beer is only £7.
In terms of the Cabaret act of the night, well Miss Tanya Hyde had us in stitches. You will get singled out and made part of the act if you sit near the stage, but to be honest that’s all part of the fun. Tanya Hyde’s quick fire wit and wonderful tunes were fabulous. She was an act we’d happily see again and my friend and were both pleased that The Compton Cross has continued on the tradition of Drag Acts in the bar.
Co-founder of Marmalade Pub Company, Lawrence Santi, says that staying true to Molly Moggs’ history while bringing new life to the venue was paramount.“Molly Moggs has traditionally been positioned as an LGBT+ venue and we fully recognise the importance of this status for local people”. “As such we’ve been working closely with London’s Night Czar, Amy Lamé, to ensure that the Compton Cross continues to be a fully inclusive and welcoming venue for all members of the local community and visitors to the area.” London’s night czar, Amy Lamé, added: “The Marmalade Pub Company has become the first signatory of the new LGBT+ Venues Charter which I have developed alongside The Mayor to help safeguard venues for the LGBT+ community. We are delighted that The Compton Cross will continue to be a LGBT+ venue.”
Make sure you check out The Compton Cross, you’ll have a night you won’t forget despite how many cocktails you chose to sample!
Website: www.thecomptoncross.com
Address:
Compton Cross
2 Old Compton Street
London
W1D 4TA
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thecomptoncross
Twitter: www.twitter.com/thecomptoncross
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheComptonCross
Written by Tegan LeBon
Twitter and Instagram: @toogs1
