I’m having trouble remembering my experience of Evans and Peel, the basement bar “detective agency” in Earl’s Court serving up mean drinks. My evening in this dark and mysterious venue feels like a distant, hazy dream. Hidden down an insignificant side street in West London, this prohibition style bar expresses its theme without compromising. Find the door, wander downstairs and ask for an appointment to see the detective. If entrance is granted, you will be taken through the dusty bookcase to discover an atmospheric bar area. Once inside you can drop the pretence and enjoy your drink without the silly acting!
Food and Drink is available and guests can sit at the bar or further back at the proper tables. Naturally I chose the bar stools, keen to see the mixological activity. ‘The Smoking Kitchen’, as it is known, offers an appealing menu of plates, sliders and full three course dining options. Three or four generous sized plates (priced between £4 and £7) was plenty to satisfy us at dinner time. The food is seasonal and homemade on site, using traditional techniques and their very own custom built smoker. I can recommend the Mac’s cauliflower cheese made with white wine sauce, macaroni pasta, swiss cheese blend and cauliflower, utterly indulgent, gooey and delicious. The E & P wedges are twice cooked, perfectly Southern States seasoned and served with a divine speciality aioli-like dip. I also loved the Go Ho Hoat’s Cheese Fritter: cold smoked chèvre, breaded and fried with maple syrup reduction. The menu changes regularly.
To drink we tried a few of the most popular Evans and Peel developed cocktails. They are strong and inventive, and many rate these barmen among the top cocktail connoisseurs in London. Our favourites were ‘La Petite Mort’ and ‘Auntie May’s Pisco Sour’. The first combines both sweet and sour elements with a clove and almond base, complimented by lemon juice and rum; a few drops of Angostura Bitters complete the drink. This cocktail is perfectly balanced, and as the the ice begins to melt, the flavours loosen and change. Auntie May’s drink is a take on the classic Pisco Sour, with apple & lemon curd sweetening the spirit, simple but very tasty.
It’s rare to find such a special cocktail bar in West London, with most located around the Hoxton or Soho areas, so I am wary of telling too many people about this little gem. Evans and Peel offer drama, creativity, brilliant food and cocktails all under one roof, it is a special discovery.
More information here.