Reason & Mankind (Closed)

Words by Jane Ryan

Address: 4, Winsley Street, London, W1W 8HF, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7291 1480
Door: Entry charge
Style: Nightclub

Review

Opening up in the underground grotto that was previously Chinawhite, recently re-launched as Libertine Club, this bar brings cocktail finesse into the world of disco lights and dubstep music. Tucked away on the side, Reason & Mankind bears all the hallmarks of a trendy nightclub more suited to bottle serves and sparklers. But don't let that deter you - the menu has been designed by Fluid Movement, the owners of Purl and Worship Street Whistling Shop, known for their creative and often molecular drinks, and it doesn't disappoint.

Amongst the drinks list is a mezcal Tommy's Margarita (the mezcal comes in a syringe allowing you to inject your own desired level of smokiness); a curiously soda-less Mojito; and a range of Daiquiris that you can doctor with various herbs and spices. In true Fluid Movement style, the well-balanced drinks are also visual show-stoppers.

For a cocktail bar in the bowels of a nightclub you'd expect corners to be cut, but no: ice is carved off a block, a candyfloss machine is on its way and service is impeccable down to the nibbles (peppered pretzels on our visit).

Whilst the very dark, generic club-meets-casino setting (heavy on the velour) might be underwhelming, it is also partly what makes this bar so unusual: it's not often you see great drinking paired with the glitzy world of cover charges (£20 once the club is open at 10:30pm) pop music and dancing.