King of Ladies Man (Closed)

Words by Ian Cameron

Address: 5-9 Battersea Rise, London, SW11 1HG, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)207 078 9630
Website: view King of Ladies Man (Closed)’s website
Door: Open door
Style: Cocktail bar
Food: Tapas/plates & dishes

Review

This new speakeasy is a sister to The Breakfast Club's other secret bar in Liverpool Street, The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, which is entered through a vintage fridge on the diner's back-wall. South of the river, the entrance is simply through a non-descript door from inside its new Clapham site, though the conceit here is that it appears you have entered a launderette. In fact, the bar is reached through a further hidden sliding door at the back. Make a reservation as this place will soon be heaving - otherwise ask nicely if there's room at the bar, but keep it discreet.

Like The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, the King of Ladies Man is named after the storyline in an episode of Cheers. We haven't seen it but who cares - it's a suitably quirky name for a bar that has its tongue firmly in its cheek: past the sliding door, you're in a disco-themed room with gold curtains, Haiwaiian-shirted bar staff and a handlebar-moustachioed logo. Disco's the theme on the menu too: think fun drinks with punny names and a high proportion of blue drinks, though classics are available too.

Everything we tried, from the Thai Green Colada to a gin, blue curacao and cider creation served in a dimpled pint glass with a cocktail umbrella, and a classically proportioned (and relatively straight-laced) Negroni were beautifully balanced and they get extra marks for relaxed and funny bartender banter and the no doubt calorific grilled cheese sandwiches.

With neighbours on Battersea Rise including Bentley bar at Entree, Southsider Cocktail Club and Dime Bar, King of Ladies Man confirms this part of Clapham is on the up.