The Lonsdale Bar and Restaurant

 

Final proof that London's nightlife is no longer led from the centre of town comes from the location of this versatile establishment just off the Portobello Road. In summer 2010 the popular sci-fi concept Lonsdale cocktail bar in Notting Hill was reborn as The Lonsdale Bar and Restaurant, comprising of a steakhouse restaurant and a cocktail bar. Hidden down a quiet residential area behind Westbourne Grove, The Lonsdale's flash new interior was designed by Dtwo, who picked up awards for their hard work. The sci-fi vibe has been merged with a nice retro look, with leather couches, moody lightly and superb contours making the place decidedly slick. The new head chef was previously in charge of steakhouse heavyweights Hawksmoor, which shows just how serious the Lonsdale is about its grilled meat. Various cuts of beef (?15-?23) from Allens of Mayfair come with peppercorn, bearnaise, grain mustard or blue cheese sauces, but there are a whole host of other options, such as seared scallops and chorizo with butternut squash (?8), marinated and roasted pork ribs (?9.50), rack of lamb (?19.50) and various seasonal and vegetarian options. With more than 200 spirits to choose from, the cocktail menu is excellent, with contemporary classics sitting happily with adventurous concoctions, while the choice of fine wines and speciality beers won't let you down. There are plenty of beautiful people, there to see and be seen, but the fashions on display are cheerfully eccentric, and the busy seating layout is well designed to push people together and create an air of easy conviviality. That said, the Lonsdale gets fiercely busy on the weekends while rumours of difficult doormen abound.