The Blind Tiger - Review
697 Wandsworth Road, Clapham, London
THIS VENUE IS NOW CLOSED
To the uninformed eye, it may appear Lost Society has shut its doors for the night; blinds shut and gates closed. However, to people in the know, say the right code at the side gate and you are welcomed in to see the Blind Tiger. A new dining and drinking experience tucked out of the way in Clapham, recreating the excitement of the prohibition era when alcoholic beverages were served away from the eyes of the lawmen.
Once granted access to this beautiful Clapham Bar, you feel as though you have been taken back in time and step into an era where fine dining and smart drinking ruled the roost before pink Mojitos and Cosmopolitans had even been created.
Greeted by a well-dressed gentleman who takes you to your table for the evening, and hands over gold envelopes, which inside hold the nights prescriptions. I opt for the jasmine and elderflower martini, while my lady friend for the evening, goes for the black cherry Manhattan. As they are brought over by our waiter they are presented in beautiful vintage crystal and garnished with trimmings such as edible flowers and a black cherry macerated in whiskey; a refreshing change from the normal nuclear red. Other drinks worth noting include the Mayfair cocktail, served in a china teacup and saucer, and the Georgian Mint Julep, a cognac and peach tipple delivered in a personalised blind tiger julep tin. However if you are struggling to find a drink to your liking the bartenders are happy to work with you and make a suggestion from their encyclopaedic knowledge of the classics or create a little something personal.
As we sit back and sip our fine drinks, we absorb the exquisite surroundings thistraditional and quaint building has to offer, decorated beautifully with vintage cocktail shakers and punch bowls, gramophones and period liquor advertisements. A selection of swing and jazz notes fill the air, and if you are lucky enough you may arrive in time for one of their live bands to take the stage. We were fortunate to be entertained by a two man band; a gentlemen on the guitar accompanied by a harmonica playing sultry blue grass, a lovely addition to this 1920s make-believe world.
The atmosphere has a certain charm about it, as you are waited on hand on foot with flawless service. The food follows the Lost Society tradition of outstanding offerings of classic British dishes, with twists and trimmings to make them stand out from the crowd. They also offer a tea party menu consisting of daintily cut sandwiches, scones and luxurious cup cakes, perfect for a large party!
As we finish our last drinks and settle the very reasonable bill considering the outstanding service we had received all evening, we say goodbye to the Blind Tiger. Stepping back into reality on Wandsworth Road, feeling satisfyingly refreshed we get on with the lives we have become accustomed to; pink fluffy drinks and fast food to go!
Click here to visit The Blind Tiger's full designmynight info page
Closest Station to The Blind Tiger: Clapham Common
The Blind Tiger Budget: Happily Affordable Cocktails from £6.95. Food from £30 for 3 courses
The Blind Tiger Designometer: Restaurant / Bar
The Blind Tiger Queue Buster: Booking Required
The Blind Tiger Music: Jazz / Live / Swing
The Blind Tiger Star Rating: 4/5
