House of St Barnabas

Address: 1 Greek Street, London, W1D 4NQ , United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)207 437 1894
Website: view House of St Barnabas’ website

Door: Members & guests only
Style: Members' club/lounge bar
Food: Set menu

It's great to give, but still quite nice to receive. That seems to be the premise behind the House of St Barnabas, the newly reopened private member's club at the top of Greek Street in W1. Formerly a home to fallen women, then more recently a centre for developing work skills amongst the homeless (many of whom are working and learning a trade in the club), it's glorious Georgian interior has been brushed, buffed and restored to its former glory and converted into a rather luxurious and decadent establishment.

Art seems to be the order of the day, with examples from luminaries such as Keith Haring and Gilbert and George dotted around thanks to a kindly benefactor - all of which lends a delightfully Bohemian edge to their restaurant, bar and members lounges.

In terms of drinks, a Dirty Martini was excellent, an Old Fashioned less so: if there's a criticism, it's that the staff are still finding their feet and perhaps it should have kept its doors closed for just a little bit longer. But they are quick with smiles and wonderfully polite which counts for something in our book. With perhaps the best outdoor space in Soho, this might be a slow-warmer but with a little more knowledge behind the bar and more experience of the hustle and bustle of their members' base, it could well be the hot ticket for next summer.