Oriole

So. There is cocktail, and then there is cocktail, redefined. Needless to say that our experience here at Oriole was fabulous.
It all starts at the door, under a bridge. One really couldn’t imagine what’s hidden underground. Oriole describes itself as «a cabinet of curiosities that draws on the adventurous spirit of explorers from all ages, referencing the glorious drinking habits of Old World, New World and the Orient». Well, not sure what their habits were back in the days, but I certainly like it.
We stood there, watching those guys behind the bar perform their art. Cocktail here are «prepared», like a dish, more than just mixed like a random alcoholic drink. Look at the back, and you might see the mastermind (Ex Nightjar) preparing egg whites for the piscos (Oh my, the piscos). Behind us, in this out-​of-​time decorum, the live jazz-​band gave the final touches to this wonderful movie-​like atmosphere.
If like me, you tought you knew… check this one out.
I’ll meet you there.
⁵⁄₅.

Last time I was here was when it was the Cock Tavern. It has changed. If you know how Ronnie Scott’s can be, imagine a more relaxed and fun environment. (With better Jazz* and excellent service.)
Tasty cocktails too.
*love jazz clubs, not a fan of jazz that’s hard work.

I’ve wanted to go along to Nightjar for a long time and when I heard that they were opening a new bar I thought that I would check it out. One positive is that it is very easy to get in. I booked a table with about 48 hours notice and there were only another 2 tables occupied when I arrived.
The first thing to say about Oriole is that it looks fantastic once you get down the stairs and it still smells very new although. The whole place was very clean although slightly more attention could be paid in the toilets.
The service was pretty attentive with water and asking if we needed any help with the drinks. Our waitress managed to talk us into ordering what she said was her favourite drink and then didn’t explain that it was supposed to be drunk a certain way. Neither Hannah or I enjoyed it at all and at £14 this was very disappointing.
The Goldeneye that we also ordered was pretty average as well and only slightly cheaper at £12. This is a very expensive place to drink and the tables are so close together that you can hear everyone else’s conversation. The table next to me had similar thoughts as they described the drinks as visually stunning but they are trying to be too clever by using the most obscure ingredients they can find.
If ever a place summed up style over substance it’s Oriole

A bizarre location, a weird reception (I had to wait 5 minutes with the bouncer before he could get ahold of someone to say I was coming in to meet my bf who had booked a table), awkward seating arrangements and slow service.
Expensive cocktails should really be added to the list but I actually appreciate the effort that went in to them — original menu, obscure ingredients that blend taste with aroma and visually stunning.
Unfortunately all errors combined means I won’t be returning even though I’m dying to try some of the cocktails on the menu!

Oriole is a huge innovation on Nightjar. Friendly, open group tables and similar snazzy cocktails served in open friendly group tables. Worse for dates, better for friends.
Cool live music and a chilled décor provide a setting for amazing food (the creole chicken, truffle croquets and glazed pork are amazing) and delicious drinks.
Still — the venue suffered from poor second night service. Drinks coming very late (20 minutes delay between the first and last in a table of 5 getting their cocktails with no warning), us needing to *ask* to order our first round after a 20 minute wait.
And some of the cocktails were stingily small — but the food was generously served. So it all balances out. When the service improves, this will be a five star evening out.