Equus

Address: 2 Whitehall Court, London, SW1A 2EJ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)871 376 9033
Website: view Equus’ website
Style: Cocktail bar
Food: Bar Snacks

Review

Equus bar is in the Royal Horseguards Hotel - Equus is Latin for 'horse'. It's just had a refit, part of a massive upgrade to the hotel which has seen it emerge with five stars and this new gentleman's club-style bar.

Don't expect that you'll chance upon the bar - not only is the hotel on a back street that's less frequently travelled, the bar is a long walk from the hotel lobby through the lounge (turn right at the grand piano).

The decor and drinks dictate that this bar is likely to appeal to a fairly narrow clientele - that is, older, and male at that. On the former, we're talking posh fabrics, thick carpets, bas relief wall mouldings and portraits of the Duke of Wellington and the like - so no wood panelling but grown-up nonetheless. It's quiet, unless sounds from the resident harpist drift in from the lounge.

The drinks menu has been compiled by 'TV Mixologist' Andy Pearson and again is targeting a mature male drinker. They are all pretty stiff concoctions, named after weighty historical figures, epitomised by The Churchill, an Old Fashioned-style drink combining Maker's Mark, Ardbeg, homemade tobacco syrup and a homemade cigar-infused bottle of Maker's Mark that's sparingly used as a tobacco bitters. If that weren't enough, it's served in a cigar-smoked glass. It's a massive drink, easier on the palate than the nose, though it is probably what Churchill himself smelled (and tasted) like.

A short list of classic and modern classics, from the Mai Tai to a Russian Spring Punch, means there are at least some longer and fruitier little numbers. In reality, this bar is a little bit tucked away and quiet to have much broad appeal, but there we go: it's on your radar.