Beach Blanket Babylon

Going out for drinks with my cousin is one of my favourite things in the world because not only she shows me some new, interesting places but I feel like I am in a completely different city when I am with her – she shows me some super unique bars that I have never heard of before. For example last time I saw her we went to Beach Blanket Babylon and I was mesmerized even before entering this bar. As we arrived with the Uber we found ourselves standing outside this majestic building with a large white door, a heavy looking door knob and columns either side. I was unsure whether this was the actual bar or if we were mistaken with some incredibly rich person’s house. Anyway the shock was even bigger when you enter. It really feels like you are entering Narnia.

The décor is very antique and vintage. There are numerous lightshades, lamps and candles which add a warm homily atmosphere to this dark looking venue. It is a very clumpy looking place with bits and bobs such as flower vases, clocks and other gadgets scattered around the room which makes it all the more interesting.

We were welcomed at the door by a lady who sat us down on a little antique sofa with a beautiful glass table with steel legs. I straight away fell in love with this place and that was even before looking at their cocktail menu. Both my cousin’s eyes and mine dropped straight away to the Pornstar martini: Vanilla Vodka, passion fruit puree, vanilla sugar served with a side of Prosecco. This sounded absolutely delicious, however we both ended choosing something completely different: my cousin chose a Fresca Brava (Tequila, strawberry, jalapeno and yellow chartreuse) whilst I chose an Espresso Cocktail (rum, espresso, kalhua and antica formula).

Dinner

The second time i came to this location was for dinner, as since my night out for drinks i completely fell in love with this venue and I was really intrigued to see what the food was going to be like. We booked a table for two about one week in advance as I knew that on a Saturday night in London you do not really have a choice. We were seated in a room that was decorated in a way to make you feel like you were on a boat. It was colourful and out of this world, I really felt like I had been transported somewhere away from chaotic London. The menu is vary varied, with choices of meat, fish and risotto. Out of their starters we chose to share a Beef carpaccio as you can never really go wrong with that. In the mains however it was harder to decide as everything had a very unique and interesting element added to the dish. For example the Lamb cutlets with the potato fondant sounded delicious or the crispy duck with honey and chili glaze. If you wish something lighter you could always go for the pea and goats cheese risotto or a fillet steak. I was very surprised at the food because I thought the menu would have been a lot more simpler. However, my food (Crispy duck) was very flavorsome after being seasoned with the honey and chili glaze. The jasmin rice accompanied this dish perfectly.

What I have not done yet but I will definitely plan to do when I am back in London is brunch at Beach Blanket Babylon. After looking at the menu I am very intrigued to see what they have to offer. Their granola with açai, goji berries, walnuts and raisons sounds delicious and so does their banana porridge with blueberries, honey and chocolate. Of course they also have available the classic avocado on toast or eggs on toast for a more filling dish.

Events:

Beach Blanket hosts private events in their magnificent ballroom. They can hold up to 60 seated guests for a delicious set menu dinner or 110 guests for a champagne and canapé receptions. They have other available rooms such as the Drawing room, the chapel and the Crypt all decorated in an a different way. So if you have an event coming up then this could be an option for you!

Beach Blanket Babylon has two venues:

45 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill

19-23 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch