The Botanist

Words by Ian Cameron

Address: 7, Sloane Square , London, SW1W 8EE, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7730 0077
Website: view The Botanist’s website
Style: Cocktail bar

Review

Another from the Tom and Ed Martin stable, the Botanist is slap-bang on Sloane Square. Named in honour of Sir Hans Sloane, a botanist, it is brightly decorated with botanical diagrams. Because of its proximity to the nearby Tube, it's rarely quiet, and when the Chelsea Flower Show is on, it's even more busy, drawing in crowds because of its botanical bent.

This is definitely more of a bar and restaurant than a pub - as other Martin brothers venues tend to be - and it's got something of a busy, brasserie feel about the place. Cocktails take on a mild botanical influence - we were expecting a few more home-grown herbs than is actually present, if not being totally rustic - but there are plenty of fruity drinks, some with herbs such as sage, thyme, coriander and camomile-infused Scotch. Some of the other drinks are a bit weird - including one that mixes chocolate puree, Campari, Grand Marnier and gin. Of course, that was one of the ones we tried, and it was definitely balanced, but should you mix those liquids? We're not sure. Also, cocktail etiquette is hit and miss, with 'the claw' making an appearance as they handed us our drinks by the rim. A pleasant and bustling meeting point to watch Sloane Rangers go by.