Les Couilles Du Chien at Arbutus - bar review

One for adventurous dates, says Kate Lough
Kate Lough4 November 2015

What they say: Michelin-starred restaurant Arbutus launches its cheekily named bar with its own menu and wine pairings.

What we say: Translating at the Dog’s Bollocks, the name is indeed cheeky. Neon signage and Dutch tile-patterned wallpaper make for an understated but sexy bar that’s a good shout for post-work drinks – it’s definitely not just somewhere to swing by while your table is made up next door in the restaurant. Make sure you grab one of the seats at the bar so you can get the lowdown from the handsome French barmen on what cocktails to order.

Order: First things first, you should be brave and try the crisp lamb’s testicles, which taste like a chicken and foie gras hybrid nugget - the bar staff recommend a glass of the organic Bobastrell from Murcia to go with it. But it’s matching racy dishes like pig's head and eel with quality wines, it has a rocking cocktail list that goes off piste with spirits like red pepper-infused tequila and prune-infused gin. We loved the Mezcarita (£11): the classic margerita is given a smoky update by swapping mezcal in for the tequila; but the reigning champ was the winning combination of sake and Gin Mare in the Sake Mare (£12), alongside a dash of lemon and thyme. If we returned, its Mexican twist on the negroni and pea and basil martini would be on our hitlist.

Are you brave enough? The 'Load of b*******' dish at the Arbutus bar
Arbutus

Good for: Catching up with friends, adventurous dates (the food choices might be too much for squeamish types – see above).

Latest bar reviews

1/80

By the way: Arbutus chef Anthony Demetre is opening a new restaurant in east London, Urban Coterie on November 5.

Find it: 63-64 Frith St, W1D 3JW; arbutusrestaurant.co.uk

Follow Kate Lough on Twitter @kate_lough

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