Ropewalk, London Bridge, bar review: Top drinks housed in a compendium of eccentricities

What they say: The Disappearing Dining Club have launched Ropewalk, part private supper club, part bar, in an old architectural salvage warehouse in Bermondsey. The drinks list reflects its Victorian surroundings: a mix of the new, old, lost and reclaimed, with many of the wines and spirits locally sourced.

What we say: But for a strange quirk, Ropewalk wouldn’t have half its character: the decor is a compendium of eccentricities, a collage of flags, paintings, old glass, brass, and other curiosities.

The quirk is that it’s all for sale: the bar acts as both a gallery and shop, sidestepping the costs of kitting the place out themselves. Sat on an old church pew, or huddled around a deco coffee table, it’s hard not to be charmed. A little walk from both Bermondsey and London Bridge, the place feels hidden away, a little secret, good fun.

Good for: Once upon a time, Upstairs at the Ten Bells in Spitalfields was a tremendous place, but they were impatient and didn’t let their concept settle in, and lost a pair of fine bartenders. Still, their loss is Ropewalk's gain: Jerome Slesinski (looks murderous, actually a sweetheart, thoroughly interesting) and his team (the same, but not so murderous looking) have put together eight drinks: split the list on a date, or go through a couple and then switch to wine – brought in from across the road at Maltby & Greek – if you’re with a small gang of friends.

Order: The Serpentine (cognac, szechuan pepper, sugar, bitters, sparkling wine, grapefruit twist) is an old school champagne cocktail kicked awake with the pepper and lightened with the grapefruit, while the Chandan Box (rye whiskey, olorosso sherry, red vermouth, sandalwood) tastes the way I imagine John Wayne smelt. A compliment, honestly. They’ve a nice selection of spirits behind the bar, and some interestings oddities from around the world: ask to try something new. The drinks are a reasonable £7.50 – £9.

By the way: It’s probably something to do with being a shop, but the bar shuts at an oddly early 10pm. On the plus side, midweek, it stops you ruining the morning after; at the weekend, it’s your starting point.

Find it: 41 Maltby Street, SE1 3PA, disappearingdiningclub.co.uk

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