Vilma Darling continues her tour of London’s bars, stopping off at the Charing Cross hotel.
Eleanor’s, the newly revamped cocktail bar at the Charing Cross hotel is literally situated in the centre of London. Whether it is the distance from Paris (257 miles), Los Angeles (5455 miles) or Sydney (10,500 miles), the point for measuring the distance to and from London is here at Charing Cross.
The bar (previously known as the Strand) is named after the Eleanor’s Cross just outside the hotel. The original Eleanor’s Cross was built by Edward I in the 13th century in memory of his Spanish wife, Eleanor of Castile, and was standing in what is now the Trafalgar Square.
After Queen Eleanor had died unexpectedly on the way to Scotland to meet him, King Edward ordered twelve memorial crosses installed at the various points that the funeral procession had stopped from Lincoln to Westminster Abbey.
Only three of the original crosses remain today and the one at Charing Cross is the 146-year-old Victorian replica.
After we sit down at a window table from where Eleanor’s Cross can be seen, the bar’s manager, Laurent Bertolini, tells its story and suggests we try their signature drink created in honour of the medieval queen – Eleanor’s Castilian Sangria (£13.95 and serves two).
The Sangria (Rioja, V.S.O.P. brandy, cinnamon, mint and fruit) had been made three days ago and was brought to us in a jar on a wooden board. The two wine glasses are half filled with lemonade and fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries and raspberries). Laurent mixes the Sangria with lemonade over the board, and Salud! We toast to the Spanish Queen. The drink is refreshing, light and perfect for summer.
We are also treated to a plate of Spanish meats and cheese with olives, piccalilli, chutney and small pieces of toasted bread. All of the nibbles are truly excellent, but I’m in love with the ham and Philip with the roasted beef, which was very thinly sliced.
Laurent suggests I try the Espresso Martini (a single shot of espresso, vanilla vodka £11.95). Philip, who had a horrible week at work, decides to treat himself to his favourite cocktail, the Old Fashioned (sweet bourbon, angostura bitters, cane sugar and orange peel, £10.95).
‘It is more than drinkable’, he says happily caressing his cocktail glass. My Espresso Martini has the subtle hints of almond and vanilla vodka goes very well with coffee flavours.
Candles placed in red glasses create the bar’s cosy atmosphere, and the black and white fashion prints and red lamps on the marble bar remind me of the famous London jazz club Ronnie Scott’s.
The candles are lit throughout the hotel and also on every step of the marble staircase leading to the bar, so do take the stairs and not the lift if you want to make a grand entrance.
Laurent says that all the Eleanor’s barmen will get a chance to create their signature cocktail menus and try to sell them to customers every week. We are intrigued with what they might come up with and promise to return.
You ma enjoy reading our guide to the best cocktail bars in London.
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