Dirty Martini - Cool Classy Cocktails in Covent Garden

I do love cocktails! Margaritas, Tequila Sunrises, Cosmopolitans, Mojitos ... all simply delicious. So when I was contacted to review a cocktail bar in Covent Garden I jumped at the chance.



Dirty Martini is one of those little secrets that only the insiders know. Hidden away in a basement on Covent Garden it's a tricky place to find but SOOO worth it. You can find this little gem in Covent Garden itself about 20 yards up from the Transport Museum.



Once you get into the cocktail bar, a nice relaxed vibe with classic pop tunes puts you at ease. As you can't see into the bar I didn't know what to expect but I shouldn't have worried. A New York style bar is surrounded by a smart crowd of mixed ages. Attentive staff provide table service or you can order drinks and nibbles at the bar yourself. The extensive drinks menu is full of well-loved classics such as Mojitos, Cosmopolitans, Daiquiris as well as a decent wine list, and their trademark selection of Martini's is something to be seen. Chocolate or Passion Fruit Martini anyone?

Snacks consist of sharing boards with a hot and cold selection and bar nibbles such as olives, flatbreads and sliders provide some sustenance whether you are up for partying all night or not. 



So onto the drinks... We ordered from the Summer Nights Menu. This menu runs on a Thursday and is an incredibly well-priced menu of refreshing fruity classics - cocktails are all just £6. This is an excellent price point for the centre of London. The Berry Margarita was incredibly fresh and fruity. Fresh berries are shaken with tequila and Cointreau, with lime juice to cut through the sweetness, a sugar rim to the glass added a classy touch. A delightful summer drink. 

My husband chose the Mandarin Iced Cooler. This was made of fresh mandarin juice, and peach puree with vodka and pear cognac. As my husband really enjoyed this long drink I decided to order it next. When mine came I thought it was very fruity but a little sweet for me - totally my fault as I like a more refreshing drink.

Stylish Interior

My husband then moved onto the Apple Pear Fizz. Fresh raspberries muddled with Absolute Vodka, lychee liqueur and fresh apple juice was topped with Prosecco. A thumbs up from us both on this one! 

Apple Pear Fizz, Mandarin Iced Cooler and Berry Margarita

To compliment the drinks we had a sharing board off the Summer menu. This consisted of mini hamburgers, marinated tiger prawns, mini hot dogs with onions and vegetable and pesto kebabs. For a snack selection, it was the perfect accompaniment to the fruity cocktails.   

Our service was quick, efficient. Never overcrowded it seems like only a select number of people were let in at any time, which made it a fabulous experience. I am not sure what it is like on the weekend but we really enjoyed it on the Bank Holiday Monday. You can also book an area from a link on their website, which is perfect for large groups and parties.



What's especially great about Dirty Martini is that they have a selection of special offers on a weekly basis. Happy hour is Mon-Thurs 5pm -10pm, Fri and Sat 5pm-8pm and Sun all day. Half price martinis, Prosecco cocktails and bottles of wine as well as other offers make this a steal if you are in the area.

If you can't make it to Covent Garden they also have branches at Hanover Square and Bishopsgate, all in London. Let's hope they expand countrywide soon, I know that Cardiff could do with a classy cocktail bar, hope you are listening Dirty Martini!

* I was given complimentary food and drink in exchange for an honest review

23 comments

  1. I don't drink but I'd sure love to go there if I did. Chocolate martini, wow, that sounds classy.

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    1. I think they do mocktails too - without any alcohol!

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  2. Never been, maybe it is time for night out!

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  3. I was there a couple years ago. Its changed its name but the interior looks the same. The cocktails look fantastic thou. yummy! Had a great atmosphere on a Friday night

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  4. Cocktails are my favourite, I love a good Blue Lagoon! This place looks awesome, i wish it were closer to where I live!

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  5. I like the sound of the berry margarita, I do love a good cocktail.

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    1. They were the nicest cocktail I have had in a long time

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  6. Oh wow this looks nice - I don't drink alcohol though do they do ones with just lemonade?

    Sarah
    Life in a Break Down
    xx

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    1. They do non alcoholic cocktails but you could always have lemonade !

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  7. WOW those cocktails looks AMAZING and such pretty colours, in all the times I've been to London never heard of Dirty Martini, definitely going to visit so thanks for blogging about it :)

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    1. They were lovely hope you can check it out when you get to London next

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  8. Sounds very classy! I love my wines and spirits - you will never see me with a pint or even pint glass in my hand!

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  9. Oooohhh Mellissa thank you for this I am always looking for new bars to visit on my annual trip to London especially cocktail bars. I like the sounds of it not being too over crowded. Do you have any more recommendations for bars in London by any chance?

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    1. I like the Dean Street Townhouse in Soho - a great hotel and classy bar

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  10. Annie Costa @LaaMoii12 September 2013 at 11:47

    Looks absolutely divine I might have to go visit!

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  11. Wow, I absolutely have to try this place. The drinks look and sound amazing!

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  12. I so agree that Dirty Martini should come to Cardiff!

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