Bandra Bhai

London has an abundance of speakeasies. Yes there are a lot of great ones, but most seem to follow a similar style. If you are looking for a great speakeasy with a twist, then head to Fitzrovia - Bandra Bhai is the place to visit. This speakeasy is located beneath its sister restaurant - Pahli Hill. If you are able to get there early, it will be nice and quiet, but it definitely livens up later in the evening.

The bar is a tribute to the Indian smuggler’s dens in the 1970s, and has beautiful decor that fits the theme to a T. In the past these dens were often fronts, claiming to be photography studios or even sexologists. There are even some original signs as you come down the stairs for a sexologist clinic - all adding to the authenticity. 

The cocktail menu has just been updated and does not disappoint. Drinks are named simply after the main ingredient (such as date, mango, or pistachio) and are stunning interpretations of classic sips. One of our favourites was the date cocktail, mixing whiskey and dates and served almost theatrically covered with smoke. This drink is smooth and savoury - a perfect combo in our eyes.

A crowd (and bartender) favourite is the Mango. The drink is a blend of Desi Daru Mango vodka, lime, mango and yoghurt. Don’t stress, you won’t be given a drink with clumps of yoghurt. The yoghurt is clarified so that the liquid used in the cocktail is clear and creamy. This drink is delightful, the sweetness balanced by the creaminess. It almost reminds us of a scoop of mango sorbet. It is simply that good.

If you are peckish, then there are loads of traditional Indian snacks to choose from. The small plates are very generous, and one could easily fill up on them quickly. If you are not in the mood for a cocktail, then there is also an extensive wine list, as well as spirits to choose from.

Bandra Bhai is great for a date night, or celebratory drinks

Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Range:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 8/10

Address: 79-81 Mortimer St, London W1W 7SJ

Duane Street Hotel

Families, professionals and lone travellers alike will be enticed by the sophistication and worldliness offered by the extraordinary eats and comforting beds at the Duane Street Hotel. This hotel is part of The Independent Collection; a cluster of boutique establishments in residential neighbourhoods that deliver guests an authentic experience in whichever city they are visiting.

With 43 rooms, a grab-and-go breakfast station and a delicious restaurant featuring Indian flavours, the Duane Street Hotel appeals to both international guests and locals looking for respite from their busy lives. Young lodgers will delight in the complimentary iPad service. With two delicious restaurants and an in-room mini-bar, guests will be grateful for the gym passes at Equinox, located right across the street. Bicycles are available for loan giving you easy access to Tribeca, which was a hot spot for artists in the 1960s and ‘70s and is now one of the most desired addresses in New York. With each suite equipped with eleven-foot ceilings, hardwood floors and oversized windows however, it may be hard to tear yourself away from your room.

Address: 130 Duane Street New York, New York 10013
Telephone: 212 964 4600 
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