Time Warp

One of the stand out dishes however was the warm asparagus with a soft boiled egg and mushrooms. Full of flavour, the mushrooms were beautifully seasoned and the egg was perfectly cooked with a runny yolk that billowed out slowly. Black beef welsh fillet lacked moistness but was enhanced by a fondant potato and a horseradish Chantilly.

Enough of the food, I hear you cry, what of this impressive drinks list? This venue is definitely one for the cocktail connoisseur as the selection on offer is mind boggling and an historic theme is the selling point that has made The Lonsdale so successful over the last couple of years.

There are countless drinks dating right back from pre 18th century right up to the present day. From contemporary classics to quintessentially London drinks, punches, sours and flips that blend egg yolk and sugar. The Lonsdale have well and truly got it covered. And don't get me started on the long sprit list featuring a mouth-watering variety of bitters, liqueurs, cordials, rums and whiskies to boot.

I decided to go for a chocolate based flip. These drinks originated before 1810 and were made with what used to be fortified wine. The phrase: they don't make 'em like they used to comes to mind. Halfway through I thought my mind had been left back in the 19th Century - it was that potent. Chocolate cocktail number 2, a combination of yellow Chartreuse with two thirds port tasted a bit like a strong Nesquick but don’t let this put you off. You really have to sample some of the magnificent classic drinks and cocktails on offer to get a real feel of the effort that has gone into creating this unique drinks selection.

If you are ever in the area or close enough to Lonsdale Road then do pop in for a nibble and more importantly a tipple as in Notting Hill there’s really no better bar to step into than The Lonsdale.