In the Christmas rush this little gem may have slipped you by but thankfully Earlham Street Clubhouse found its way on to Cut The Cap’s radar. Launched just over a month ago back in November in Seven Dials, this new Bar-come-pizzara brings 90s preppy America to the heart of Covent Garden.
We went to check it out and this is what we thought…
When inside Earlham Street Clubhouse it’s easy to see calls to East Coast chic with light hearted atmosphere along with bold, adventurous cocktails coupled with pizza by the slice, and classic style.
Chatting with the guys on duty that night we found out that the venue was designed by Matt Rawlinson of the award-winning Raw Design. The basement venue can house up to 160 people and combines classic clubhouse interiors with vintage boardwalk glamour. It has a mixture of reclaimed wood panelling, exposed brick and battered suede seating all fitting perfectly alongside recycled tin advertising signs and Coney Island fairground lights.
The bar stretching along one side of the venue is clad Victorian mahogany doors and a bespoke copper top, and fitted with retractable cocktail menus attached to the ceiling (see our shock at how good these are below). Booths hidden down secret passages are fitted out with their own phones to call between tables and boast a vintage gas pump serving ice cold beer directly to the table!!
The Earlham Street Clubhouse features an extensive cocktail list designed by expert drinks consultants, Soul Shakers, all prepared with premium spirits and fresh ingredients. Looking to 90s American popular culture for inspiration, the cocktails are tongue in cheek, but finely crafted, nostalgic, but cutting edge.
We sampled from the Cocktail menu:
- HEATHER’S REVENGE – £7.00
Tanqueray, elderflower cordial and San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa, served long - COLLEGE RULES – £7.00
Pampero Blanco, chipotle, fresh ginger, lime and bitters served long, topped with Old Jamaican Ginger Beer - STIFFLER’S MOM – £7.50
Tanqueray, Absinthe, cucumber, lime and simple syrup, served on the rocks - POWER RANGER – £7.50
Bulleit bourbon shaken with fresh lemon, egg white, apricot jam and red wine - AXEL FOLEY – £7.50
Don Julio Blanco, fresh lime & lime Ting, sparkling grapefruit, served long with salt rim - BEAUTY QUEEN DROPOUT – £7.50
Pampero Blanco, fresh mint, lime and sugar and topping served very long with Sauvignon Blanc
Our two favourites were College Rules and Axel Foley – both delicious and thirst quenching!
Accompanying the drink offering is a selection of New York thin crust pizzas, wood fired and created by the award winning Chef Toni. Using only high quality, seasonal ingredients, the pizzas are made with a sourdough base and feature toppings such as salmon, fennel sausage, Scamorza cheese and Scotch Bonnet chillies. Sold by the slice, and in 12” and 20” sizes, the pizzas are perfect for tearing and sharing, and range from £3.50 – £18.
Pizzas from the menu include:
- SCREECH
Tomato, mozzarella, salami picante, fresh chillies & oregano - THE FRESH PRINCE
Homemade ricotta sauce, Scamorza cheese, fennel sausage, wild mushrooms, fresh basil & baby tomatoes - HAPPY GILMORE
Tomato, mozzarella, San Daniele (Parma ham), parmigiano reggiano, rocket & olive oil
- THE FERRIS BUELLER
Tomato, mozzarella, chili chicken, spicy salami, scotch bonnet chillies & red onions - DAWSON’S CREEK
Tomato, mozzarella, smoked Arbroath salmon, Romano tomatoes, red onion & water cress - THE ROSS AND RACHEL
Half and half of any of the above pizzas
Opening times: Monday – Saturday – 12pm till midnight, Sunday 12pm – 10.30pm
Earlham Street Clubhouse, 35 Earlham St, WC2H 9LD
Twitter – @esclubhouse