Ham Yard Bar, a Soho institution nestled in a small square just a stone’s throw from Piccadilly tube, has been a go-to for business meetings and social gatherings for years. The bar’s new cocktail menu, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is a testament to its commitment to celebrating the vibrant history of its neighborhood. With 10 cocktails that tell the story of Soho, each sip offers a unique and delicious experience.
The menu is the brainchild of Bar Manager Riccardo Lupacchini, previously of Scarfe’s Bar. His passion for creating intricate and flavorful cocktails is evident in every detail, from the carefully placed soy and lime caviar to the thoughtfully curated list of ingredients.
The bar’s atmosphere is equally impressive. The spacious summer courtyard, a welcome oasis in the heart of Soho, is perfect for a relaxed drink. There’s also a spacious dining room inside for those who prefer a more intimate setting.
The cocktail menu is a celebration of Soho’s diversity, with drinks like ‘Peachy Pride’ acknowledging the area’s LGBTQ+ inclusivity, ‘The Polly Parrot’ telling the story of Jimi Hendrix releasing two parakeets into Soho, ‘Un Corretto’ with bourbon, almond milk, coffee and cherry to celebrate Soho’s coffee houses, and ‘The Dragon’s Den’ a nod to neighboring Chinatown. My personal favorite is ‘Blushed Tomato’ with Pea Pod vodka, clarified gazpacho and pickle juice, a big-up to Berwick St market, allegedly the first to bring tomatoes to Soho.
The bar food is just as impressive as the cocktails, with highlights like Korean fried cauliflower, wild red prawns with chilli, garlic and lemon, and game chips. While the cocktails are on the pricier side, starting at £16 a pop, they are crafted with the highest quality ingredients and executed by a master storyteller. The bar food items are priced like starters, at around £7, £10, £12, £14, making them a great value for the quality and portion size.
The service at Ham Yard Bar is top-notch. Our server, Sahran, was incredibly helpful and accommodating, even going so far as to pull over another table to accommodate our large food order. The entire staff is warm, friendly, and knowledgeable, making for a truly enjoyable experience.
Ham Yard Bar is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and memorable cocktail experience in London. The imaginative drinks, delicious food, and vibrant atmosphere make it a true gem of Soho.
