Tag Archives: soho

Cocktails at Archer Street, Soho

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Archer Street Bar has often been recommended to me as a fine cocktail establishment, and though I spend a lot of time in Soho, I hadn’t previously come across it. On a Wednesday evening, the place was unexpectedly busy, loud and rather too dark for my comfort. The raucous midweek crowd had clearly all come to Archer Street to let off steam.

The cocktail menu is not long nor overcomplicated. Indeed at first sight, the choices look limited, but after a quick chat with the exuberant waitress in a spotty dress, the cocktails to go for became glaringly obvious.

Cherry Cherry Bang Bang – Miller’s Gin shaken with Cherry Heering, Orgeat, fresh lime and egg white, £10.50

Art Pop – Amaretto, Southern Comfort and cranberry juice, shaken with fresh lime and pineapple, £11

Miss Saigon – Ketle One vodka, rose liqueur and lychee juice, shaken with fresh lemon and Earl Grey syrup, £11

Some Like It Hot – Jose Cuervo tradicional shaken with passionfruit, red chillies and vanilla sugar, £11

For me, the Art Pop was the winner by far: a sweet but balanced short cocktail with a lovely mix of ingredients. Some Like It Hot was surprisingly tasty, despite the presence of chilli. Cherry Cherry Bang Bang was a fruity refreshing drink and Miss Saigon a failsafe for those not keen on super-strong concoctions.

Along with the piled-high cheeseboard, for a few pre-dinner drinks Archer Street is the ideal venue, especially suitable for cocktail connoisseurs; but if you’re looking for a quiet place to catch up with friends, other Soho venues would suit the occasion better.

More information here.

archerstreet.co.uk

Hot on the Highstreet Week 158

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This month the Swedish organic denim brand, Nudie Jeans, opened their first UK store on the junction of D’Arblay and Berwick Streets in Soho.

Even more excitingly the brand have also launched their first Global Repair Station within the store, where customers can have their old Nudie Jeans altered and repaired for free, asserting the brand’s passion for sustainability. Shoppers can also customise their favourite denims to create a pair of jeans that is close to couture and utterly unique.

With rustic vintage furniture and sewing machines set against the huge windows, the shop welcomes all lovers of jeans old and new. With a wide range of fits and washes, there is a pair of jeans for everyone. Browse the range and watch the professional denim repair experts at work.

Berwick Street is a destination for fashion offering unique shops and independent labels, and Nudie Jeans fits in amongst its peers perfectly. Whether you want to find the perfect new pair, or get a well-loved pair back in the game, Denim Experts are on hand to advise. Nudie Jeans ensure your future jean shopping is simple, stress-free and satisfying, not three words I would usually associate with denim browsing!

Nudie Jeans, 29 D’Arblay Street W1

www.berwickstreetlondon.co.uk

@berwickstlondon

http://www.nudiejeans.com/stores/nudie-jeans-repair-shop-soho/map/#/

Lady Rizo, Soho Theatre

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Lady Rizo is my kinda girl…feisty, fun and fabulous. Fresh from New York’s cabaret scene, she has arrived in England to make her London debut at the Soho Theatre.

I was initially attracted to Lady Rizo because of her name… any who know me well will know about my obsession with Grease and my ongoing ambition to play the rebellious Rizzo. When I researched Lady Rizo’s show, I realised there was more than just her name to love. She is a ballsy comedienne and chanteuse from America with fierce attitude, a wacky sense of humour, sensational vocal talent and an addictively daring character. She has an undeniable ability to entertain.

The show starts at 9.45 pm which is quite late for a weeknight, but I left more awake than when I arrived: her wit and wonderfulness leave you buzzing. I will admit we didn’t always ‘get’ the jokes, but the music, wow, it was incredible. Of the songs she performed, some are original compositions, others hauntingly beautiful covers. She effortlessly belts and bellows into the microphone, with exceptional tone and not a note out of tune… impressive considering the vocal range she displays.

It is a raucous night and audience members should expect to be fully included… so if you’re shy don’t sit in the front row or by the aisle! Sitting within easy reach I was the subject of one of her first jokes as she removed my glasses (with difficulty) and mucked around with my hair. Funnier though was when she picked a redhead to help her change outfit while asking her about how she lost her virginity. It sounds seedy but Lady Rizo manages to add glitz and humour to every situation and had the whole venue in fits of laughter.

On Wednesday 27th February we were lucky enough to have Noisettes singer, Shingai Shoniwa in the audience. She whooped and wolf whistled enthusiastically for her friend throughout until eventually she was asked up on stage to help Rizo with her spectacular encore. It was an excellent extra.

A comic who can move, a singer who can joke and an entertainer who can inspire, Rizo is a very special lady, catch her while you can at the Soho Theatre.

More information here.