Mansion Bar and Parlour - review
The buzz: a Victorian-themed hotel bar and parlour with drinks menus based around the famous people (Oscar Wilde, Freddie Mercury, Alfred Hitchcock) who lived locally.
The deal: hot pink or newspaper-covered walls, chequered seats and gold cutlery are confusing. But with dimmed lights, Mansion becomes an enticing spot.
Good for: after-dinner cocktails and a cheeky dessert (the waffles don’t fit with the theme but really are good).
Order: a Mansion Island Iced Tea (£14) — barman Mika’s take on the cheesy classic has an egg white-based top and is smooth and refreshing; the Absinthe Sour (£11.50) is strong and sweet while the Carbonised Negroni (£13.50) is shaken with carbon dioxide so the Campari is less overpowering as a result.
By the way: go on Sundays for the Kensington Music Club— jazz and blues and a roast for £10.95 (1-8pm).
Find it: 33/44 Barkston Gardens, SW5; mansionbar.co.uk
