What they say:

Two influencial figures in the London bar scene have collaborated on a new venture in London's Chinatown. Eric Yu and Dre Masso's new bar will be inspired by Chinese opium dens of the 19th Century and fuse Chinese drinking and eating in a discreet and chic bar space. Yu has run high-profile London venues and is part of the group that runs Punk and The Social; Masso also has great pedigree having run such London bars as Atlantic Bar & Grill, 10 Room and Lonsdale House. With these two industry heavyweights pooling their skills, Opium Cocktail & Dim Sum Parlour sounds like an exciting new opening. 

Opium's approach is to embrace the rituals of Chinese drinking; as a result each cocktail will be served with a touch of theatre - and upstairs Dre Masso will run a school for aspiring bartenders, so expect Opium to be a real experience of the perfect cocktail. Masso himself describes Opium best when he said, "The whole ethos of Opium is that amazing food and cocktails go hand in hand. Everything from the ingredients we are using to the open-kitchen style of the bars is designed to excite the palate."

The drinks list and ingredients for food dishes will change seasonally to reflect the freshness and availablity of certain items within the markets of Chinatown. This freshness is one of Opium's key mission statements and something the owners feel very strongly about. The decor is obviously oriental themed but again contains a twist that keeps it modern and fresh; metal finishes on classic Chinese furniture gives Opium, on Gerrad Street, a contemporary London feel that is very welcome. Perfect for a fine dinner and drinks evening, Opium would certainly impress a date or be a good place to have a meal with friends.