Oh, to slip off to Miami to sink mojitos at a beachside bar and watch the ocean breeze ruffle the palm trees! And whilst my holiday plans may have been nixed by the cost of a flight, handily Miami is coming our way very soon, with the arrival of The Palm House, a suave drinking den boasting influences from classic Miami and Cuban hangouts. With space for 400 drinkers across two floors, Victoria’s new arrival is set to open on September 22, transporting you to a world of tropical hedonism and top-notch cocktails.
Tropical luxury doesn’t come much finer than the clubhouses of 1930s Miami, where palm fronds kept diners in the shade whilst the cocktail bar kept them refreshed. The Palm House aims to capture that effortless cool, blending it with touches of Cuban design and cuisine to create a drinking and dining experience worthy of the tropics. You’ll find it in the Nova development of Victoria, where it’ll sit alongside the likes of Flight Club and Vagabond.
What sets The Palm House apart from the rest – aside from the immaculate vibes, of course – is the dedicated daiquiri bar that sets on the lush mezzanine, artfully decorated with tropical plants and exotic flowers. Here at Secret London, we heartily endorse dedicated daiquiri bars (admittedly a dream we didn’t know we had until just now), so it gets our stamp of approval pretty instantly. Elsewhere on the drinks menu, tropical fruit cocktails and new world wines from organic producers and small growers will keep guests topped up, even if that Miami breeze might be lacking.
The food menu takes even greater inspiration from Cuba, with small plates like Mahi Mahi ceviche and Molé chilli chicken tacos to whet the appetite. The classic Cubano sandwich is also available, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t eyeing up the picanha rump steak. Meanwhile, The Palm House will honour London’s undying commitment to brunch with weekend brunch parties, which promise free-flowing sangria and rum cocktails, DJs, musicians, and entertainers – expect some proper Miami flair at those!
Equally intriguing are the late night cocktail dinners on Saturday nights; from 8pm, guests are invited to join an evening of ‘sophisticated debauchery’, complete with a five-course dinner and cocktails. That gives way to late night dancing, bottle service, and – yes- more daiquiris, which sounds like the perfect way to round off the night. Of course, with pre-theatre dinners on offer and the likes of Hamilton and Wicked playing around the corner from Nova Victoria, The Palm House might be the ideal way to start your night, too.
In true Miami fashion, The Palm House will be offering all the fun in the sun. And in true British fashion, the London weather will keep you guessing about how much sun you’re likely to see. Still, put a daiquiri in my hand and tunes on the sound system, and I’ll be happy enough without the Florida sunshine!