NeNe at Chrysan (Closed)

Address: 1 Snowden Street, London, EC2A 2DQ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 3657 4777
Door: Open door
Style: Restaurant bar
Food: Bar Snacks

Review

This modern Asian concept in the City of London, near Liverpool Street, from the same group that now owns Hakkasan, boasts a bar that might charitably be described as minimalist, but you might be more inclined to say sparse. Don't let that put you off as the drinks and service are fantastic and anyway it looks more impressive in the evening with low lights.

The drinks are imaginative, beautifully crafted and sublime in taste. Boasting a lengthy cocktail menu, there are some big flavour combinations in here, and some truly original pairings. There is, of course, a nod to Asia, but less of the long and fruity ilk that Hakkasan was famous for - take the Bon Vivant's Coupette, for example - cognac, plum sake, Benedictine, grapefruit and chocolate bitters. Or the Fuji Spring, with No. 3 gin, tamarillo, eucalyptus syrup, pineapple and liquorice bitters. Most intriguing of all is a drink containing Marmite, which you'll either love or hate (sorry!).

Nice glassware and big chunks of clear ice help sets the tone, while tasty bar snacks include wasabi mash and crab cakes will pique your appetite. Drinks are around the £10.50 mark.