Tini Bar

Open Mon–Thur 6pm–midnight; Fri – Sat 6pm–1am; Sun 6pm–12.30am

Posted by Lucy Land on 16/07/2009

The style:

King of Clubs threesome Nick House, Piers Adam and Guy Pelly (of Whisky Mist, Mahiki and The Punch Bowl fame) are behind this suave and sophisticated Italian aperitivo bar. Occupying the space left by funky drinking den, Art Bar, whose fans may find its new incarnation a little too relaxed, Tini is rather like a speakeasy with its jazz soundtrack, black leather banquettes, copper-top tables, wooden floors and framed retro Pirelli calendars hanging from chains along the mirrored walls. Smartly attired staff offer a warm service, bring olives to your table and certainly know how to make a good cocktail.

It was obvious much thought has gone into making the most of the small space and I liked the mix of modern and traditional Italian influences, but I had come along with a former Art Bar fan, who declared it was a bit bland. Indeed, there’s already talk of rolling out the Tini brand in the hotel market.

The crowd:

Designer-clad, good looking sophisticates, including two ladies laden with Marni, Chloe and Guiseppe Zanotti shopping bags.

The drinks:

The Italian-leaning cocktail list features classic aperitifs and ‘selezione della casa’ (bespoke house concoctions) of which the Berrycello (strawberries, Limoncello, Grey Goose citron vodka and lemon juice) and Shot-Tini (42 Below vodka, fresh peach, lemon juice, basil, prosecco) are the most popular. We plumped for a watermelon and elderflower martini, which was perfect – on the right side of sweet and deliciously light – and an equally gorgeous vento di pessione, made from grapefruit, Martini Rosato, Martini Bianco, passion fruit, lime and cinnamon (both £7.50 each) – la dolce vita.

87–89 Walton Street, SW3; www.tinibar.com; 020 7589 8558