db openings: The Forge Bar

This month sees the opening of The Forge Bar, tucked away below its sister restaurant in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.

Designed to reflect the atmosphere of a private club, comfort and discretion will be the watchwords here when The Forge Bar opens its doors on 16 September.

If it’s a dirty Martini or cold beer you’re after, this place will be happy to oblige, but it’s the wine list which has been selected as the venue’s particular speciality.

The 500-strong selection includes a promising 40 options available by the glass. It’s fair to say the list is weighted toward the Old World, particularly France, but there are plenty of interesting, good value options here from all corners of the globe, with a healthy selection of bottles priced below £30.

Some top picks by the glass include the Ruggeri Prosecco for £5.50, Cuvée des Eveques 2007 Pinot Blanc from Domaine Hugel at £7.50 or, if it’s New World you’re after, then try the Finca La Linda 2007 Malbec from Mendoza. A decent range of Champagnes starts at £39 a bottle, but if you’re just looking for a frivolous glass of pre-theatre bubbly, then it might be worth £14.50 to experiment with a half bottle of Innocent Bystander Pink Moscato from Victoria, Australia.

Once you’ve come to a decision with the wine list, head chef Andrew Barber’s food menu offers another minefield of tempting choices for all appetities. As with the drink, the main influence is rather Old World, occasionally verging on the old school (the Garrick Club is opposite) with some sturdy British comfort food mingled with French and Italian classics.

Light bites include Colchester oysters (£7.50), an artichoke and red pepper salad “au pistou” (£7), or for those whose needs are simple, pork chipolatas with home made brown sauce (£4.50). For something a bit more substantial, try the linguine vongole (£9.50) or The Forge burger (£8.50). It may be a relief for many to know that the bar offers both fat and thin chips.

Once open, The Forge Bar will serve from noon until 11pm on weekdays and from 5pm until 11pm on Saturdays.

The Forge Bar
14 Garrick Street
London
WC2 9BJ
Tel: +44 (0)207 379 1432
www.theforgerestaurant.co.uk

Gabriel Savage, 01.09.09