Newly opened basement bar W M Barker & Co is an all-day haven on Bishopsgate, stumbling distance from Liverpool Street station.
For all you early risers it opens from 7am Monday-Friday for a pre-work coffee and breakfast pit stop. For the after work party people, W M Barker & Co is open till midnight Monday-Wednesday and 3am on Thursday and Friday – this is a place for ‘just one quick drink’ to turn into tomorrow’s hangover!
The bar itself is fun, even though you’re in the basement it doesn’t feel claustrophobic like some underground bars can and there is a variety of seating to camp out on if you get there early! The drinks menu comprises of a range of shrub cocktails, craft beers and premium spirits including lesser known breweries and distilleries such as City of London Gin.
Named after areas of London, the cocktails on offer are varied and offer something different to classic cocktails. The Canary Wharf cocktail comprises of Ketel One vodka, Kahlua, caramel shrub and espresso. The caramel shrub lends a slightly sweeter note and makes this different from the average espresso martini you might try. The Old Street (Goslings black label, Barcardi rum, tropical shrub, or great, grenadine, lime and passion fruit) was also a winner with us!
After work drinks mean peckish customers and W M Barker & Co offers British cheese and charcuterie platters alongside open sandwiches and, more importantly, toasties! The chorizo paté, mac and cheese and caramelised red onion toastie was our favourite by far. Carb on carb, what’s not to love?!
