With its name taken from boxing top dog Jack Solomon and found hidden beyond a simple kiosk entrance, Jack Solomons is a speak easy style bar that epitomises old school style glamour. The very site where this boxing guru’s gym was located, here is a bar that specialises in whisky and gin, offering a laid-back retreat away from many of Soho’s overcrowded drinking holes.
Inspired by a time gone by where everyone from showgirls to boxers would relax after their respective shows – Jack Solomons is steps from Piccadilly Circus however notably discrete. An evening escape offering high class cocktails with live music and a plush interior – it encapsulates the era in which one of the greatest boxing promoters in history lived.
As with its boxing heritage, cocktails here have a real ‘punch’. On the menu house concoctions include ‘On The Ropes’: Nikka from the barrel, Hennessey VS, maple syrup, cardamom bitters and Pernod Absinthe Mist and ‘Sultan Of Sock’: Maker’s 46, Frangelico, Orange Bitters with Salted Caramel. For the ladies there are a few less intimidating mixes to try – ‘The Vixen’ being one of them – (Salto 37, Suze Saveur D’Autrefois, lychee and strawberry) or the ‘Yorkshire Lady’ – a fusion of Yorkshire-tea-infused Sipsmith, lavender and lemon with egg white. These house selections are then complemented with a lengthy gin and whisky collection.
On our visit we also sampled Jack Solomons bar food options which draws assets of inspiration internationally it seems. From Marcona almonds and olives, larger options that are ideal for sharing include a ‘Cobble Lane Cured Meats’ served with house baked focaccia, a middle eastern ‘Ash Baked Aubergine Dip’ with rosemary & potato flatbread to other distinctively American options including fried buttermilk wings and a 6oz hamburger to a French steak frites with béarnaise. Fancy some fruits de mer? Colchester rock oysters with a red wine and shallot dressing are on there too.
Address:41 Great Windmill Street, London, W1D 7NB, jacksolomons.com
