Barchick Says

Owned by the godfather of Cocktail bars Jonathan Downey, it was never going to disappoint. This is the first of his Robot series (Tiny Robot, it’s mini me/sequel is on Westbourne Grove). It’s a little cooler than anything else here on Clerkenwell Road, the clue was in the Berlusconi/Lady Gaga loo signs. Plus it’s one of the only decent places round there open on a Sunday, score.

Slide off the street and you are in the open plan eating balcony, which surrounds the bar, bunkered below. Personally I’d get stuck in down there, eating is cheating right? But if in a bigger group, you’re pregnant, or here for some food, then sit there. Be sure to book Thurs – Sat night as it’s busy, mostly with a fun crowd of people that are not achingly cool or suited and booted as you’d expect in this no-mans-land part of town.

The cocktails are wicked here, executed perfectly, and that’s not just the ingredients; staff here are either hot (J-Dog gets a gold star) or they have some edgy haircut, both are fun to watch in action.

Be sure to try the Dale’s Caipirissima, and don’t say no to a Spring Punch (get the pitcher). You can soak it all up by chomping on some of his Giant Robot’s balls, and if you’re not into balls, have a slider (mini burger for us Brits).