Nine Lives is a welcome subterranean oasis from the bustle of London Bridge
Self-describing as ‘tropicalifornication’, the basement bar has built a rep thanks to its interesting cocktail menu and hi-fi sound system, and has recently launched a new drinks and food menu to celebrate its seventh birthday.
Eat This
This is the venue’s first permanent kitchen, launching with a menu created by taco master Ramon ‘El Tigre’ Ramos. It’s a mix of bar snacks, tacos and ceviche, all inspired by his hometown of Guadalajara. Snack-wise, the chicharron (crispy pork belly pieces) with a spicy salsa verde is a must-order and a generous-sized portion too.
The raw section includes a trio of fresh ceviches. We struggled to pick a favourite, so recommend ordering the crudo sampler and getting a taste of all three, including an interesting vegan ceviche made with mango.
The real show-stopper of the evening for us had to be the El Gobernador taco. Coated with a crispy caramelised cheese mix, this super-sized taco is stuffed with grilled prawns, salsa roja and pico de gallo. It was so good we had to order another one.
Drink This
Having sampled a few cocktails during our visit, the winner had to be the ‘Sweet Re-leaf’, which is Nine Lives’ less punchy, sweeter twist on a martini made with mezcal, tequila, fino sherry and aloe vera.
Why Go
Nine Lives is a trusty date spot you can always rely on. With low lighting, banging cocktails and a fun and relaxed atmosphere, it’s always high on our list for central London cocktail bars. Whether you’re trying to impress a first Hinge date, or want to enjoy a night out with friends, it’s guaranteed to tick all the right boxes.
Key Information
Address | 8 Holyrood St, London SE1 2EL
For more information | ninelivesbar.com
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