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Gentlemen’s Luncheon Club
American Cuisine, Restaurant Reviews, The City, ££ (Moderate) 0

Voltaire Bar Review

By Mike Joseph · On November 23, 2016

Opposite Blackfriars tube station stands the Crowne Plaza hotel built upon the spot once occupied by the infamous Bridewell prison. At basement level we find the Voltaire Bar.

In a cunning twist the adjacent vaults under the pavement have been transformed into private snugs where a group can take cocktails plus cigars to share along with a bite from the lively burger menu.

Georgeous Décor

At 7 pm we found the place relaxed despite the downbeat dance-music playing in the background. Décor is Phillipe Starck goes clubbing and the result is oversized furniture, curious lights & fittings that highlight strange-printed fabrics. It is pleasing with something interesting to look at in every direction and big relaxed booths for groups.

voltaire-bar-chairs

The menu – well it is brief – but food is not the main course here. The big attraction is a primary humidor of classic Cuban cigars sat beside another stocked with the tobacco produce of all other nations.

I was surprised that the Monte Christos were marked as a Medium / Full smoke – never my impression. Much stronger smokes can be found here. And of course there are a great many lively Cohibas!

voltaire-bar-cigars

Service was a little slack until Frankie our Maitre’D showed up – then it all came together. Trying out one of their “Sober” cocktails as recommended, we learned that the Afternoon Tea and Cocktails feature on the menu was very popular – and that the kitchen exclusively bakes all the pastries. A good omen I thought.

Gourmet burger with Foie Gras

I had the Gourmet burger which included a little Foie Gras and my companion had the Cheese burger. We waited a little while for these but when they came they were quite delicious and served on a brioche bun that was delightful and delicious.

voltaire-bar-burger

Frankie’s carefully crafted cocktails were also a big hit and my Lime & Ginger & Fresh Mint concoction was to die for. You could probably go a long way from here to find better.

voltaire-bar-cocktails

The hour of 7 is clearly downtime for this retreat and so it was not clear who a typical customer might be but I would guess it was the later than usual city type with an appetite for burgers and a damn fine cigar – best enjoyed in a vault with some good friends.

Voltaire delivers good value

Overall, Voltaire delivers good value for money on the food and drink – especially for a hotel – with an interesting design theme. On the cigars – if you like a Cuban smoke – you will not be disappointed. And do please try one of Frankie’s delicious cocktails!

Voltaire Bar
19 New Bridge Street
City of London
EC4V 6DB
020 7438 8054
www.voltairebar.com

London Restaurant Review
Reviewer
Mike Joseph
Review Date
2016-11-23
Reviewed Item
Voltaire Bar, 19 New Bridge Street, City of London, EC4V 6DB
Author Rating
51star1star1star1star1star
BoothsCocktails
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Mike Joseph

Mike Joseph

A trip to "Maggie Jones" at the tender age of 15 was the moment when it all came together for the nascent foodie in me. Since then I have lived in Dublin, New York, Los Angeles and now again London - always seeking out that elusive cocktail of innovative decor, unpretentious ambience, great creative food and perfect service. Sushi, Ottolenghi, Tapas, Escoffier or Julia. Whatever you seek out - food & hospitality stand tall on my list of things that mark the best in mankind. And sometimes it all comes together again.

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