Bourne & Hollingsworth Bar - Clerkenwell, London

Bourne & Hollingsworth has long held sway as one of the original central London cocktail bars, from an era where London was just beginning to carve out its corner of bartending prowess. It was one of the first spots in the Smoke to popularise 'shabby chic' and the Victorian gin palace aesthetic. However, things change quickly, and there's no way you can maintain a classic without a touch up every now and then.

Originally opened in 2007, Bourne & Hollingsworth relaunched in October 2016, nearly ten years later, with an eclectic new design reminiscent of a 1920s living room that wouldn't be out of place in some of the more flamboyant sets from Peaky Blinders. Leather banquettes have been replaced with colourful silk and wool upholstery. The chairs and tables pop with colour, and there are various prints from Asia and South America. Perhaps the most striking addition is the wallpaper, which has been handpainted with bold pink strokes.

Bourne & Hollingsworth made their name serving cocktails in teacups, but decided to jettison the concept with the new refurb in favour of more mixology-oriented drinks, using avant-garde techniques to produce ingredients like CO2 charged rum or moss and pine 'Highland' spray. The bottom line? If you're looking for a spot to drop into in Fitzrovia for a quick cocktail with a quirky, effeminate touch, this likely fits the bill. 

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