Reverend JW Simpson, Goodge Street

After wandering up and down Goodge Street like a headless chicken, I eventually stumbled upon a black door, which leads you downstairs into a quirky but warm cocktail bar. Its retro décor, modern furnishings and peeling wallpaper definitely made me double-take. I questioned myself multiple times, wondering if they’d ran out of money for decorations and could not afford to furnish the rest. After a couple of laughs, I began to appreciate its cosy, dim lighting and battered floorboards. It does make a change from pretentious bars that install fifty thousand lights in one room. I got the impression that they want you to focus on the drinks and everything else you can just learn to love.

When I looked at the cocktail menu beforehand, I expected big portions of pancakes and toasties being served alongside my drink. I was very disappointed when my drink came out to see a bite-size version of a bacon pancake: my thumb gave its size a run for its money. With disappointment looming in the air I decided to try the drink and hoped that it would blur my memory on what I just saw. I ordered ‘The Lumberjack’ which consisted of scotch, maple syrup, lemon juice and egg whites. After the first couple of sips, I knew if I did not treat carefully I would regret my decisions later that night.

I went on to have a ‘Misto’ which main ingredient is vodka and a ‘Stout Flip’ which boasts scotch bourbon. These were both served with mini toasties. After trying both these drinks, I honestly could not have cared less if they brought out pancakes made for The Borrowers, I was well and truly won over. The drinks were strong, tasty and aesthetically pleasing: what everyone wants in a cocktail right? This little gem is amazing and I would definitely visit again for a quiet intimate drink.

This is a bar that relies on word of mouth and social media. If you’ve been then you have a great set of friends. If not, I suggest you find some new ones and sign up to Twitter.

Reverend JW Simspon
32 Goodge Street
Fitzrovia
W1T 2QJ

Tel: 020 3174 1155