Catch a Break...Holborn Babe!

Chinwagging at Scarfes

The location was Holborn, the place Rosewood Hotel, Scarfes Bar. As we entered the courtyard (be careful of incoming taxis) to the grandiose lobby and marbled interior. We passed through the rose-bronze gallery that led to Scarfes Bar.

Gentlemen's club with a modern twist was my first impression of the bar. Space was at an abundance but no seating for us….yet!
Time was given to me to soak in the atmosphere and Gerald Scarfe really made his mark, literally. The walls from top to bottom were decorated in his illustrations. Rich, dark, autumnal colours were balanced with the curves and angular lines of the seating arrangements.

I was already gasping at this rate while perusing the menu, which was more like a book. Did I mention the bookshelves and literature littered everywhere. The thoughtful barman gave us water that came in a silver-like goblet! Now that was a surprise….a glass would suffice. The nibbles were an assortment of salted toasted almonds and something else and the something else was too overpowering for my delicate palette. As the conversation got going I had a Ginger Ale, then some Jasmine Silver, that is white tea with a hint of Jasmine which was flavoursome. The Strawberries Romanoff, Grand Marnier left me slightly deflated as the Grand Marnier was all at the bottom of the glass, petty maybe but I was so looking forward to it. As the evening went on the jazz singer accompanied by the pianist and bass player did not go unnoticed by us but did the rest of the crowd notice….

This establishment with it's handsome frontage was like a younger boisterous brother to Donovan Bar. As Donovan was subdued Scarfes is more extroverted and colourful. There is a big difference and yet that is not a bad thing. However for me, less is certainly more. 6/10. (Monique).

 

Walking into The Rosewood reminded me of being in New York.

The room was generous and gorgeous and very comfortable. The decor was rich and heavy with a library on the back wall. In front of which stood city guys making deals.
The chairs were very comfortable and complimentary snacks sat in crystal bowls.
The cocktail list was very interesting but I settled for a mineral water.
The bar was a real feature. All shiny and mirrored, housing glistening bottles from all over the world. The bar man was sharply dressed with a deft hand at cocktail shakin'.
The ladies toilets looked wonderful, marbled and ornate though unfortunately lacked much needed fresh air.
For a bite to eat I tried the chicken tikka which was perfectly seasoned with a small green salad garnish.
An hour or so in to our visit a jazz trio comprising of upright bass, grand piano and vocals piped up. They were really good with the female singer looking a lot like Billy Holiday complete with large flower in her hair. 
All in all I really enjoyed The Rosewood and would definitely return. 7/10. (Stargazer).  

The Rosewood is majestic on the inside and out. If The Rosewood were a man, he would be described as suave. The Scarfes Bar has a vibe which is firmly ostentatious and it can come across as daunting at first glance.

On arrival the welcome was a bit skewed since it was busy and the maitre d struggling to keep up! Eventually we found a space by the bar and the barman who was a gentleman looked after us very well, offering us drinks and snacks.

The lighting was a little muted which allowed the vibe to be pleasurable which suited our conversation. The sudden jazzy voice of the singer accompanied by the piano was a welcome addition although seeming somewhat out of place. The cocktails looked great but a ginger beer and a further cup of Earl Grey was the best way to round off the evening.

Thank goodness the company was good. Would I visit Scarfes Bar again, unlikely! However, if you are thinking of taking a date or someone to impress then The Rosewood could be the place to visit but for a light hearted girlie night, I think it is more fluff than depth. See it to believe it though. 5/10. (Peony Blue).