Next month will see the launch of The Libertine, a 450 capacity venue situated beneath the City of London’s Royal Exchange which boasts of, among other features, a whiskey vault.
With a main restaurant, bar, two private dining rooms, and the whiskey vault offering paired whiskey experiences, there will certainly be no shortage of spaces tucked away down a spiral staircase and beneath the vaulted arches. Incipio Group, the owner, has previously transformed overlooked spaces in Canary Wharf and Paddington with its botanically-themed Pergola bars, as well as developing Percy’s in Kensington and Victoria’s The Palm House.
The Royal Exchange has housed London’s fortune since the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, but visitors can expect to find consumable treasures, rather than gold, jewels and silk. As well a wine list with offerings from around the globe and a range of beers, there’s also a cocktail menu offering twists on well-loved classics, such as a Smoky Thyme Old Fashioned or a Pink Peppercorn Negroni. The bar promises to prepare cocktails within 90 seconds of ordering so that visitors can enjoy speedy service.
As for the food, chef Nick Wyborn, formerly of Mac + Wild, has developed menus for casual bar fare as well as premium dining. For beef boffins, the range of dry-aged steaks offers a dreamy experience: côte de boeuf, chateaubriand, porterhouse, or, for four people, a steak tasting board with fillet and wagyu picanha. Other dishes include Cornish cod & chips, Welsh rarebit crumpet and Jersey oysters.
The venue will also be available for semi-private bookings and full private hire, with festive menus during the Christmas period.
