Approx 6pm - 9pm
Peonny at Opium
The Jade Door, 15-16 Gerrard Street, Chinatown, London, W1D 6JE
Before I even start, I am going to struggle to do this bar justice - the drinks, brilliant. The service, unbeatable. The atmosphere, top-notch. I can't big this place up enough.
We arrived at around 6pm and were the first people in there. To get into Peony, you have to first gain access to Opium, and Peony is located further into this maze of bars. Booking is integral, as it seems to be a very popular place.
The decor in here is beautiful - oriental themed throughout, and very cosy. The bar was stacked with unusual drinks, and the walls were adorned with pretty little teapots (one of which we used that night). A little pot of alcohol was steaming away at the bar, which made the place smell delicious, and gave the impression of being in an authentic, Chinese, back-alley bar.
To really get the best experience in this place, try to sit at the bar. It was great to be up close to the action, and the bartender kept us entertained all night - thanks Rasa!
The cocktails were expertly concocted. The cocktail menu is quite small, but they are all interesting and unique. You could choose to go with a single cocktail, or go with a teapot for 2 or 4 people, which was a great touch.
I chose to go with a Golden Sazerac, which was strong and delicious. The orange and lemongrass smoke was an excellent touch to a well-constructed cocktail. I also sampled some of the Peony Punch teapot, which was very interesting - the coconut flavour really came through well, and it was very easy to drink, and fun to share. You also got to choose your own teapot from the wall to have it served in!
Rasa was an extremely capable cocktail-maker, and was more than happy to mix us up a few cocktails which weren't on the menu to suit our tastes. The ones she made for us were all top-notch, but don't ask me what was in them because by this point I was on the tipsy side, and my memory from this point is pretty skewed...
...I remember that this one had a chili kick to it, but only as a hint in the aftertaste. Very well done.
...and this one really was right up my alley. Made with Mescal, it had a distinct and smokey flavour, and a creamy consistency. One of my favourite ever cocktails!
Whilst you're here, it's also worth trying the Dim Sum. Some of the flavours were really amazing and a bit different, and it was instant comfort food. We went for 3 different types; King Prawn Dumplings, Mushroom and Truffle dumplings, and the Pork and Samphire Dumplings (these were my favourite). They all went down very well, and were brought out in quick time.
In conclusion, probably the best cocktail bar ever - I was actually sad to leave. I'll be back soon, I promise!
ThymeTip: To guarantee a great night, sit at the bar for great service and great banter.
Food: 8/10
Drink: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Fun-ness: 10/10
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