Zum Barbarossa Review

Zum Barbarossa has made its London debut. The new speakeasy is the latest London venue from the family behind The Seafood Bar, the critically acclaimed seafood restaurant on Dean Street. Following the success of the flagship bar in Amsterdam, it’s now come to the bustling streets of Soho.

In a hidden basement in a 1730 Grade II listed Georgian townhouse, you’ll find this Paris style bar. Walking in the doors early Thursday evening, I was amazed at the decor. It is absolutely stunning! There’s plush sofas with numerous patterned pillows, velvet curtains and lamps hanging from the ceiling with mini versions on the tables. There’s also three distinct long spaces with curved brick ceilings – which would be perfect for groups.  These are around the corner from the bar located in main space so the space feels even larger.  I showed some photos of the space  to my friends and their first reactions were all about how gorgeous it is. Applause to interior design studio, Marie Martin, who has overseen the design of both the Amsterdam and London site. Inspired by the Art Nouveau movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Zum Barbarossa really does captures its bold and joyful iconography with great spirit.

Each cocktail has been curated by expert mixologists. We started the evening with a classic French 75; always a great welcome drink with its balance of sweet and tart. I love expresso martinis but I’ve learnt if I’m going to have them I need them early in the evening, so with that in mind I had the Zespresso Martini  (£15.50) which was rich, indulgent and creamy.

I was intrigued by the Hot Honey Highball (£15.50) comprised of spicy honey, Amaretto, Grey Goose, Lemon Juice and Elderflower Tonic. It’s served with spicy honeycomb to nibble, and while I’m a sweet tooth this was a fraction too sweet for me. Still on the honey theme, next was the Penicillin Sour (£17) which was a firm favourite amongst guests due to its combined smokiness, sweetness and spiciness.

I’m not usually one for cherries but the  Sour Cherry Sidecar (£15) turned into a pleasant surprise and has changed my perception of the drink. The Spicy Rose Paloma (£15.50) was fresh and light whilst the Tommy’s Spicy Mezcalita (£15.50) served with a tajin rim and a charred lime wheel was smoky and spicy.

There’s a choice of eight bar snacks. These aren’t your usual snacks as there’s caviar served with blinis, creme fraiche, shallots and chives (£40), crab cakes (£14.50), or dressed oysters with a choice of three toppings (passionfruit lime oil dressing,  prosecco and strawberry pearls or shallot vinaigrette) for £28.50. There is also the more usual truffle and parmesan chips for £7.95.

There will be a rotating roster of DJs throughout the week. Often in clubs and bars they so can be too loud to really speak. We sat near the DJ and never felt we had to shout or repeat ourselves. It was a super cozy and comfy bar with attentive staff. We feel it would be a great location for a date or cocktails with friends.

Zum Barbarossa is now open Thursday to Saturday 5pm to 12:30am.

Address: 77 Dean Street, Soho

Website: https://www.zumbarbarossa.com/london

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zumbarbarossa

Written by Caitlin Neal