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Bar Review: Social 24 at City Social, Liverpool Street in London

There really aren’t many better views of London, or places to enjoy a glass of something cold as London slowly moves from daylight and sunshine to inky skies and twinkling lights

By Georgie Bentley-Buckle   |  

Partnered with Jason Atherton’s restaurant City Social is Social 24, a charismatic cocktail bar positioned in the City of London’s epicentre. Located on the 42nd floor of Tower 42, it overlooks the neighbouring skyscrapers to bring a touch of New York’s Manhattan to the English capital with floor-to-ceiling windows and glamorous 1920s style furnishings.

Social 24 is perfect for a pre-dinner aperitif or a sleek stop off to sample a creative cocktail menu. With widespread views across the city, Social 24 offers a strong sense of place with numerous famous London landmarks which can be seen from the bar. Whilst also drinking in the views, this includes the newly launched cocktail menu inspired by these iconic landmarks of the capital. Using world-class mixology methods with in-house syrups and garnishes, the team make use of their portfolio of spirits from around the world to combine a variety of flavours and textures.

social 24 cocktail
Social 24 is perfect for a pre-dinner aperitif or a sleek stop off to sample a creative cocktail menu

In addition to all the classic favourites that may take your fancy, (one being a thunder toffee fudge vodka ultimate espresso martini), the new signature cocktails each feature a name that embodies the Social 24 brand. This includes the ‘social punch’ (Bulleit bourbon, Cynar, Cadello 88, Ratafia, sweet vermouth, grapefruit juice, vanilla syrup and whole milk) or the ‘the city spice’ (Novo Fogo Cachaca Silver, apricot liqueur, Ancho Reyes, homemade basil liqueur, Manzanilla Sherry and citrus) and the ‘social fizz’ (Sauvelle vodka, watermelon syrup, quince puree and ginger ale). 

The bar menu offers a simple snapshot of the food that comes out of Jason Atherton’s kitchen. Unfussy, real people pleasers – from bar snacks to larger main courses and desserts, choose to pair your drink with some nuts, or enjoy a three-course meal. Spicy mixed nuts and green Sicilian Marinated Nocellara olives head up the bar menu, followed by small plates (also great for sharing). These include roasted Padron peppers sprinkled with Cornish sea salt, fried baby squid with Szechuan pepper and lime, crispy fried buttermilk chicken with a kimchi sauce and the ever-popular truffle mac and cheese.

social 24 table with view
The newly launched cocktail menu is inspired by these iconic landmarks of the capital

Main courses replicate what you’d expect to find on a pub menu for satisfying daytime dining. This leads with the ‘City Social burger’ stacked with smoked bacon onion jam, pickles, cheddar and skinny fries, followed by traditional fish and chips with none other than mushy peas, grilled lemon and tartar sauce.

The more so substantial third option served with a truffle-dressed mixed salad or triple-cooked chips is the steaks. Select either the dry-aged Hereford rib-eye or fillet with Béarnaise or peppercorn sauce. For dessert, the restaurant’s cheese trolley makes an appearance and is well worth it for any cheese lover, showcasing a selection of soft and hard types. Whilst for a sweeter choice, choose the chocolate brownie sundae or apple tarte tatin.

Beyond the Social 24 Bar, the scenic space also includes a private dining room and intimate chef’s table from City Social which boats one Michelin star. Jason Atherton and the general manager Mark Hasting offer a creative yet refined menu with dishes that celebrate the best of British ingredients, in an elegant, art deco environment.

drink at social 24
There really aren’t many better views of London, or places to enjoy a glass of something cold as London slowly moves from daylight and sunshine to inky skies and twinkling lights

Standout dishes on the Michelin starred à la carte include a selection of the finest French caviar with British sourced plates of Devon crab, Orkney scallop and wild Cornish turbot. With the supplement of a Native breed côte de bœuf for two, this also includes some of the steaks that feature on the bar menu from the Josper Grill.

Factbox

Address: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HQ
Phone: 020 7877 7703
Website: citysociallondon.com