Aprés, London – Review (Spring 2013)

You can find Aprés on Duke Street, London, and we would certainly recommend a visit anytime you are in the city. Whether you are looking for a romantic drink for two, a couple with friends or a party of up to 300 people, there is something here for you. The style is dark, stylish and lit perfectly for a relaxing night after work or during the weekend. Open 7 days a week, 5pm-Til late, there is no excuse not to pop down and take a look at what Aprés has to offer. This was the perfect place for us to kick back with some Shisha, take in the London atmosphere and enjoy ourselves. Shisha at Aprés is done terrifically well with non-alcoholic and alcoholic offerings available from £25.

If you are looking for something with a bit of a kick and packs a punch, then you may want to begin with the Boom Island Iced-T (£12). Packed full of Latino flavours, such as agave tequila and cachaca, this cocktail is finished with grapefruit and certainly hits the spot. A refreshing take on the long island, but I wouldn`t recommend having too many of these – they are quite strong!

We also tried the fantastic Dirty Mary (£10) which oozed spice and flavour. The Chase smoked vodka was supplemented with olive brine, lemon juice and spices, just to give that typical depth of flavour. A really great find this, so we had a couple!

Classics are also done excellently at Aprés with the Cosmopolitan (£8) fulfilling those loft city expectations and the Raspberry Mule offering a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow mule.
A Moscow Mule is a buck or mule cocktail that was popular during the vodka craze in the United States during the 1950s, but this rendition is an improvement on the more citrussy if you ask me!

For something a little more adventurous to see in an evening, I would also suggest the range of `Shots` offered at Aprés. We particularly loved the `Lemon Drop` (£6) – made from lemon vodka, triple sec and sugar, this is a truly refreshing and fun way to end the night.

Aprés also do a great selection of dishes; they are all designed to share and to compliment the fun atmosphere. We would recommend the beetroot cured salmon (£7.00), served on toasted mini bagel with soured cream and caviar (5 pieces). This is a delicate and yet flavoursome way of holding off hunger. The subtle flavours also leave the palette clear for the cocktails to keep flowing. Gorgeous stuffed olives are also available for £4.00 and this generous portion really hits the spot.

For more information: http://www.apres-london.com/