Dirty Martini

Address: 11/12 Russell Street, (entrance on Piazza), London, WC2B 5HZ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7632 2317
Website: view Dirty Martini’s website
Door: Open door
Style: Lounge bar
Food: Bar Snacks

Review

Dirty Martini sits beneath Tuttons Brasserie on the East side of Covent Garden's Pizza. The classy modern decor means this place might be 'Dirty' but it certainly isn't shabby. The ceiling is surprisingly high for a basement bar meaning it feels airy and allows a raised area of booth seating along the far wall.

This is a popular spot with the younger after office crowd due to its music offering, late opening and lack of entry charge. Late week these combine to give Dirty Martini a clubby atmosphere, so clubby that the door staff are likely to want to frisk you before letting you down the stairs that lead to the bar.

As the name might suggest this is very much a cocktail led bar but contemporary drinks dominate rather than classics. Ambitious cocktails requiring muddling and numerous ingredients mean that barstaff can struggle to cope with the demand. The beer offering is lamentable so your best bet is to be patient or grab a wine.