Funky Venues

Venue Review

Character: Intimate cool and casual hang-out.

Funky Features: Pavement seating, Cocktail menu by Dale DeGroff, Dick Bradsell menu, resident DJ.

Location and History

Established in 1997, this was the first of a handful of Match Bars to open across London and it celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Situated on Clerkenwell road minutes from Farringdon and just over the bridge from the ‘Turnmills’ club, it attracts a mixed crowd of designers, artists, business people and young trendsetters from nearby Old Street. Named one of, “the 50 best bars in the world”, by the Independent and crowned as the Evening Standard’s, “Bar of the Year”, it’s definitely worth checking out for an expertly crafted cocktail. Match EC1 has also been moved up to the number one spot on World’s Best Bars.

Interior

The orange lighting highlights the inviting over-sized sofas and intimate booths which surround the lowered bar and floor area. Striking modern art is hung in thick wooden frames, its red and black tones, complementing the warm colour scheme. The large windows of the cool grey building allow light to spill into the split level bar. Seating is available on the pavement
for some al-fresco dining.

The large square dance floor is makes an inviting centrepiece for the bar with a DJ booth overlooking it and cocktail bar running its length. A large LCD TV screen mounted on the far wall near to the DJ booth is ideal either for a presentation or some party visuals. Tapas style food and hearty salads by Dick Bradsell, are in keeping with the chilled atmosphere.

Dale DeGroff, the King of Cocktails and who claims to have made the Cosmopolitan famous, tended bar at The Rainbow Room in Manhattan for over a decade and he has worked on the vast cocktail menu at Match Bar to produce a heavenly drink selection. The cocktail menu encompasses DeGroff’s original recipes like the Strawberry Nirvana as well as classic bartender favourites. For some healthy antioxidant-infused creations and some guilt-free drinking, the knowledgeable bar staff provide freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for the Grapefruit Julep and use home-brewed green tea for the original Green Tea Highball.

Spaces for Hire

Its square proportions make this bar is a great size for a private party or function. The venue can fit up to 160 standing or 100 seated when hired out in its entirety, otherwise smaller areas can be hired upon request.