The Crescent Champagne Bar, Kensington

The Crescent could be forgiven for not being in the best location; coming out of the Tube station onto a fairly nothing sort of road you might wonder if you’re in the wrong place. But then you cross over and you see it, rising like a beacon of intriguing, black-fronted gorgeousness.

This place clearly means business. The Crescent is without a doubt upmarket with stunning décor; huge armchairs, chaise lounges and dark wood tables. A very ‘on-trend’ colour scheme pervades (navy blue and dark grey), lit up by a series of lamps and one stunning chandelier that at first glance looks covered in diamonds and at second glance you realise is made entirely of champagne glasses. The bar is sleek and black, lit by a warm orange glow. The whole place just oozes class.

Settling down on a very comfortable sofa we kick off with champagne cocktails – The Crescent’s signature offering – opting for a Fraise Bellini (wild berry Chambord, fresh peach) and a French 75 (Tanquary gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup). They are served in stunning flutes and are both generous on the champers. The Bellini is classic, fresh and full of flavour, while the French 75 blends bitter lemon with the pungent gin creating a truly sumptuous treat.

Moving on we sample the lychee Martini and a Rock Candy. The former is excellent; the rose petal vodka in it a perfect match to the sweet fruit. The Rock Candy comes highly recommended and is definitely an experience; citron 42 Below vodka mixed with lychee liqueur, cranberry, apple juice, ginger and a soaked marshmallow makes it sweet, naughty and decadent.

Other fabulous cocktails include the Mexican Butterfly, Alexsus, Passionata and the excellently named, Slap and Tickle. They’re all so good in fact that you might find yourself wanting to work your way through most of the menu.  And the good news is that, with cocktails ranging from £7–11, pricing is the sensible end of upmarket.

Cost, quality and style is what really makes this place. It is effortlessly cool, friendly and welcoming: the perfect place for a unique night out with the girls, a striking place to impress business associates and the perfect place for a romantic date.

The Crescent Club
3a North End Crescent
Kensington
W14 8TG

Tel: 020 7603 2058

www.thecrescentbarw14.co.uk