It would be easy to write Dive off as another basement bar, with modern twists on classic cocktails and vinyl records. London certainly has a few. But the real draw is’t the moody interiors or even the drinks, it’s the atmosphere. Dive has the confidence of a members’ club,without any of the eye-rolling exclusivity. It’s the perfect place for an after-dinner cocktail, when you’ll inevitably stay for three.
The room is dark, intimate, and straight out of a 1970s nightclub movie scene. Low lighting, shimmering surfaces, plush vintage furnishings which soften the industrial shell, and a curated soundtrack spanning from Prince to Jack J, with soulful grooves and funk so good you’re destined for a boogie. As the evening progresses, the energy shifts from relaxed drinks to a lively late-night crowd, creating the feeling of an after-hours house party.
Drinks are inventive without being frivolous, balancing familiar flavours with unexpected twists that reward curiosity. From an intriguing ‘Brioche Martini’ with brown butter and spice to Le Peach, which refreshes the classic Manhattan with fruity wine and bourbon, the bartenders are happy to guide you through the menu. However, as a vodka martini fiend, I wasn’t delighted to see that the holy grail of cocktails was pre-mixed.
What makes Dive memorable, though, is its consideration. Every detail, from the soundtrack to the sofas, works together to create a bar that feels genuinely sexy rather than self-consciously cool.
Order this
Trust the bartenders and order one of the signature cocktails like the kombu and blue cheese martini, rather than defaulting to a classic.
Time Out tip
After 9pm on a Friday, the music and atmosphere all hit their stride, but arrive a little earlier if you want one of the best seats. (Dinner at the nearby Hart followed by a nightcap at Dive also works well).