The City’s The Drift

I am not a regular in the City. My route to work is quite leisurely and not part of a mass scrum to try and fit into one square mile of space. I have never been to Coq d’Argent although I’m ashamed to say that I’m always trying to scrounge an invite off friends who work in the area – no further details sought or known…

But when someone invites you to a bar opening, it would be the height of stupidity to decline even if you are worried you will look like the obvious south-west Londoner in the corner.  So I tripped happily along to the launch of The Drift which is – I am told – in the new Heron Tower.

However, I confess that I was totally oblivious to building works or otherwise when I saw the sandcastles surrounding the doorway: I am always drawn to anything seaside-y as my parents are lucky to live right on the Dorset coastline. Did the Drift transport me to the sparkling sea and tawny beaches of the Jurassic Coast? Not quite but it was excellent fun.

It is a bar of double height proportions, one side is entirely glass running up both floors which provides a pleasant, light atmosphere. Quirky little seating areas with fun décor and mad seats are provided on the ground floor and halfway up the staircase to the first floor although beware of sitting on the wobbly wire stools after having consumed a few: no one looks pretty sitting in a heap on the floor even in a tight pencil skirt suit. Upstairs seemed to be the main dining area and a second, large bar.

The staff were extremely friendly and competent on the downstairs bar, a little more vague on the upstairs bar but maybe we experienced a particularly busy moment. The food was canapés en masse, they seemed innovative but after I burned my mouth badly by managing to eat a fish cake whole – and looking spectacularly girly by flapping my hands madly in front of my face in horror – I did not have the energy to try the whole range.  The drinks were well-mixed and I particularly enjoyed a Moscow Mule, or four, made for me.

The Drift is a bar that manages to be charming yet rather slick at the same time.  All in all, it is a good, fun bar that will surely become an after-work favourite.  However, what was my favourite part? I think it was the hand-driers in the loos: I cannot really describe them, you will just have to go and find out for yourself.

The Drift
Heron Tower
110 Bishopsgate
The City
EC2N 4AY

Tel: 0845 468 0103

Image by Matt From London courtesy of Flickr