Funky Venues

Venue Review

Character: Cool and classy subterranean cocktail den .

Funky Features: cocktail menu by Dale DeGroff, DJ Booth, regular live music.

Location and History

Founded in 1998 by drinks guru Dick Bradsell, The Player became one of the first places in London where you could enjoy a quality modern cocktail. After a re-vamp it re-opened in 2001 and it remains a favourite among London cocktail bars. Easily accessible on Broadwick Street in the heart of Soho it may be but The Player still feels like a bit of a hidden secret.

Interior

Beyond the discreet entrance, blue stairs descend to a softly-lit and intimate space with a classic feel and – thanks to the large cactus –slightly West Coast American overtones. Dark reflective mirrors line the walls of the bar which is furnished with comfortable green padded chairs and low round circular tables. Gold pillars divide this lounging space from the sparkling cool cream bar and the dance floor. The Mediterranean finger food includes dishes such as spiced aubergine salad, a Spanish Charcuterie platter and assortments of artisan meats and pickles.

Dale DeGroff, the Cocktail King who is credited with making the Cosmopolitan famous, tended bar at The Rainbow Room in Manhattan for over a decade and he has worked on the vast cocktail menu to produce a cocktail menu that stands up to real scrutiny. The selection ranges from DeGroff’s original recipes like the Strawberry Nirvana to all the classic bartender favourites. For those who favour healthy antioxidant-infused creations conscience-appeasing drinking, the bar staff can mix freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for Grapefruit Julep or home-brewed green tea for their Green Tea Highball.

Cocktail Master Classes: The ambition of the Player’s founders was to inspire a new drinking culture where the quality of the ingredients reigned and the craft of the bartender was recognized. It’s a principle that the venue continues to hold fast to today. For an exciting twist to any event, the Player holds interactive cocktail master classes where parties can gain an insight into the closely guarded tips and tricks of the experts. For more information contact sarah@matchbar.com.

Spaces for Hire

The Player holds 110 people and is ideal for private parties. In-house chefs can be hired to provide finger-food party platters and DJs brought in for any occasion.