Vijay’s Bar & Lounge Review

Vijay’s Bar & Lounge may be London’s best kept secret, but not for long… Tucked away above Indian restaurant Lokhandwala in Fitzrovia, Vijay’s moody, ambient décor was inspired by an infamous Mumbai gangster of the same name. Guests can choose between the plush interior or the breezy hidden terrace on warmer days.

The venue makes the perfect escape from the madness of the city, but that’s not all it’s got going for it: the cocktail menu is so much fun that you’ll have a hard time choosing just one. We tried a selection of the most enticing concoctions and they did not disappoint — especially the “Like A Bird,” a grownup fruit punch served in a bird-shaped glass, itself nestled in a lantern made to look like a bird cage. Other highlights include the Bollywood, a lavender-scented vodka cocktail, and the Star of India, with bold flavours like orange and mango marmalade, as well as fennel seed and cardamom.

Vijay’s takes bar snacks to a whole other level, with fragrant Indian-inspired finger foods. We tasted the grilled chicken skewers, and two kinds of delicious fritters — these will leave you asking for more. Thankfully, you can head to Lokhandwala downstairs if you’re still hungry and enjoy more tasty dishes.

Address: Vijays Lounge, above Lokhandwala, 93 Charlotte street, W1T 4PY

Written by Iris Goldsztajn