Sometimes when you go out, you’re after a different sort of night out, that’s no less raucous. These nights aren’t about thumping music and frenetic energy. They don’t feature massive venues full of people jostling each other and spilling drinks as they exclaim ‘BEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE.’ No, we’re getting too old for that. Some of the best nights are spent in cosy surroundings, with delicious drinks, and touches of luxury. And for that, there’s probably no better venue than Scarfe’s – the legendary Central London cocktail bar, “where paintings and potions meet.”
So, what makes Scarfe’s so cosy? It’s the plush armchairs and sofas, which all but beg you to sink in and struggle to keep your eyes open. It’s also the warm touches throughout, with velvet and wood breaking up the doodle-clad marble walls. And let’s not forget about the books and the roaring fire. The bar counts over 1,000 antique books (hand-picked by a Portobello-based antiques dealer) amongst their collection. And they sure do make the place gorgeous.
The vibe
Don’t for a second think this is some stuffy affair, though. Scarfes prides itself on being a spirited, tongue-in-cheek watering hole where staff welcome you with knowledge, passion, and a hefty dose of fun. Music, illustration, and literature pervade every detail, with humour and joy the constant through-line. Adding to the convivial atmosphere is the complimentary live music each night, which keeps the ambience spirited, but also wonderfully cosy.
And then there are the doodles! Gerald Scarfe’s artwork adorns the marble surfaces throughout the bar – “transforming [the] bar into a living canvas.” His work encompasses the full spectrum of popular culture, from fictional characters such as Walt Disney’s Hercules to living legends like Elton John, David Attenborough, and beyond. His cartoons have also been printed in The Sunday Times and The New Yorker. Even if you think you don’t know Scarfe’s work, you’re sure to recognise his unique style as soon as you step foot in the bar!
Gerald Scarfe himself describes the bar as “my personal art gallery, where you can see my life on [the] walls”.
The drinks at Scarfe’s
The menu at Scarfe’s takes the artwork off the walls and plops it down on your tables. Cocktail names draw inspiration from contemporary events and pop culture figures. Currently, celebrating 10 years of the bars’ liquid creations, the menu features ten of their most loved cocktails from menus through the years, as well as ten all-new creations. The new creations include the likes of the rum-and-coke-riffing Rum ‘N’ Roll with La Hechicera Rum, Noilly Prat, Smoked Cola, and Tonka. There’s also the Bowie-referencing crowd favourite, the Zingy Stardust with Bombay Premier Cru, Muscat, Kaffir Lime, and Neroli, and plenty more.
You know you’re in good hands, too, because their Arturo Burzio was recently crowned the ‘elit Vodka Martini Master 2022’. I’ll start with a vodka martini in that case!
The bar has in the past received such awards as ‘Best International Hotel Bar‘ from the Spirited Awards, Tales of the Cocktail 2020. They also consistently achieve high-ranking spots in lists of top bars nationally and around the world. They probably know what they’re doing then, I reckon.
The rest of the menu
The cocktail selection at Scarfe’s is further complemented by an exhausting list exhaustive list of spirits, wines, liqueurs, non-alcoholic drinks and cocktails, beers, and more. Oh, and cigars, and gifts as well – obviously!
They also serve a selection of bar snacks and tasty treats to accompany all that. These include Tuna Tacos, Crispy Potato and Truffle Mille-Feuille with Roast Striploin, Warm Toasted Crumpets with Devonshire Crab, and more.
Head on down, sink back in an armchair, drink in the surroundings (and a cocktail or two), and ‘get scarfed’!