Indian Tapas & Floral Cocktails At Vijay’s Bar & Lounge
Discovering unknown bars, those hidden little gems nobody has heard of, tucked away behind the busiest streets in town, has become something of a competitive sport for Londoners.
Almost everyone you meet now has their own secret hotspot that they can’t wait to tell you about, and then when you eventually track the place down it is so heaving with hipsters you can’t get near the bar, find a seat or make yourself heard.
And so, it was with this sense of world weary trepidation, that I tried not to appear surprised when my Uber driver doubled back around the block several times attempting to spot Vijay’s Bar & Lounge on Charlotte Street.
It really is tricky to spot as it’s sensibly situated on the quieter end of the famously foody street, which opens onto the mayhem of Oxford Street, and up a secluded staircase above the Indian restaurant Lokhandwala.
But be patient because the cocktails up there really are a rare find. The bar is richly styled like an opulent drinking den – apparently the décor was inspired by an infamous Mumbai gangster called Vijay who clearly knew a thing or two about fine booze.
The dark walls and sumptuous furnishings are a haven for cocktail lovers and the attentive staff actually take the time to talk through what sort of drink each customer prefers and ensures everything is precisely tailored to your taste.
It’s an intimate but atmospheric room, only seating around 25 people, but had we chosen a less rain-soaked evening we could have enjoyed the gorgeous looking outdoor terrace which will be the most glorious little al fresco honeypot if summer should sneak back up on us again this year.
All the usual classic cocktails are on offer but it is worth letting the experienced mixologists do their thing and sprinkle your tipple with fascinatingly fragrant floral syrups and Indian spices like fennel seed, star anise and fresh coriander which make all their offerings just a little bit more exotic.
Indian style tapas dishes are way more fun to nibble on than the usual bar snacks, my favourites being the yummy Masaledar lamb chops and celery prawns. This is an utterly dreamy spot for a romantic date or a special celebration, and of course you can claim major bragging rights for actually knowing about a real secret hideaway in central London.
- Vijay’s Bar & Lounge: 93 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 4PY. Email info@lokhandwala.co.uk or call 020 7637 7599
