Zenna Bar (Bar)

Top 10 things you need to know about Zenna Bar:

1) A meander through the bustle of Chinatown and onto Dean Street, under 10-minutes from Leicester Square Tube station, leads you toward the basement bar – the only Indian themed cocktail bar in London, allegedly. Expect Arabian Nights meets Soho chic - worlds away from the other bars and restaurants to be found outside.

2) You’d be forgiven for missing the small sign above the door to the well-known Red Fort restaurant, but now you know where to look on Dean Street, keep an eye out for it.

3) Get comfortable amongst the bejeweled pillows, velvet seating and colourful décor while, perhaps oddly given the theme, chart-topping hits can be heard vaguely masking the chatter of the other guests – mainly couples and those enjoying a post-dinner tipple.

4) Allow an extra 15 minutes to choose your drink from the extensive list - full of fresh flavours infused with traditional Indian savours, such as cloves and cardamom. 

5) It’s worth trying the refreshing Garden Martini and the Alcoholic Raspberry Ripple – the cocktail equivalent of a strawberry milkshake and a total, sugary, dream. Many cocktails come in at around £9, so you can afford to be adventurous with your choices.

6) If you’re looking for somewhere quiet on a weeknight for a first date, the intimate alcoves and sumptuous décor are the perfect aphrodisiac. If you’re looking for raucous after-work drinks, you’re probably better off at one of the nearby pubs. The weekend however, is an altogether different story, a club feel takes over and a mix of ages and people can be found enjoying the underground buzz.

7) Forget what you knew about bar snacks – the nibbles here are brought from the award-winning Indian restaurant upstairs (any platter that includes the chicken is a sure fire winner).

8) Don’t fill up on poppadoms and banana puree while waiting for your drinks order – tempting as it may be – because service is fast and beverages are bought to your table with haste.

9) Don’t be afraid of the spice – there is certainly a kick to some of the canapés but order the salmon teriyaki if you prefer a softer flavour.

10) Ask the bar staff for recommendations. They’ve tried everything and have an exceptional palette. Whether you want your favourite spirit or something savoury with a sweet undertone - they’ll point you in the right direction.  ...read more