Cocktails Inspired by Famous Portraits – Larry’s at National Portrait Gallery
Named after Sir Laurance Oliver, a hidden speakeasy bar, opened last Summer under the National Portrait Gallery. Following a three-year renovation process, the gallery re-opened with a glamorous bar, Larry’s, that cocktail menu takes inspiration from the pictures displayed within the gallery.
@urbanadventurerldn ????????This hidden bar’s cocktail menu is taking inspiration from the pictures displayed within the National Portrait Gallery @National Portrait Gallery @Daisy Green Collection ???? The bar is called, Larry’s and each drink pays homage to a music or film legend or a famous photographer, such as Audrey Hepburn or Cecil Beaton ???? Perhaps, one of the most imaginative cocktails on the menu is the ‘Yevonde’ CMYK Fizz. Madme Yevonde was a pioneering London photographer transforming the use of colour photography in the 1930s ???????????? The refreshing blend of lemon myrtle-infused Gin, dry Vermouth, blood orange and elderflower tonic is presented with blue, red and yellow jelly balls frozen in an ice cube to reference the process Madame Yevonde used when she revolutionised colour photography #hiddengem #cocktailbar #nationalportraitgallery #cocktails #hiddenbar #datenightideas #dayoutwithfriends #CapCut
Larry’s
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Finding Larry’s can be a little bit challenging, given that the bar is situated literally under the National Portrait Gallery.
There is a hidden staircase within the gallery’s ground floor café on Charring Cross Road. Feel free to ask the direction from a member of staff.
Once you’ve found the staircase; it will lead you to a spectacular dim lit vaulted bar with exposed brick walls. Originally the space was built as a coal storage in 1896 but now its brick walls are adorned with a selection of portraits of Marilyn Monroe, Amy Winehouse, Peter O’Toole and Dame Edna Everage.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The bar offers seats for groups as well as more intimate booths for couples who are there for a date. There are also some adorable train-style seats.
The moody lighting and brick vaults provide a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a drink or two, while the sunlit atrium behind the bar brings light and airy ambience.
Cocktail Menu Inspired by the Portraits on the Walls
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The elegant leather-bound cocktail menu takes inspiration from portraits around the gallery. Each drink pays homage to a music or film legend or a famous photographer, such as Audrey Hepburn, The White Lady or Cecil Beaton.
There is a detailed explanation of the inspiration behind each drink on the menu along with a photograph of the particular portrait.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Perhaps, one of the most imaginative cocktails on the menu is the ‘Yevonde’ CMYK Fizz. Yevonde or Madme Yevonde was a pioneering London photographer transforming the use of colour photography in the 1930s.
The refreshing blend of lemon myrtle-infused Gin, dry Vermouth, blood orange and elderflower tonic is presented with blue, red and yellow jelly balls frozen in an ice cube to reference the process Madame Yevonde used when she revolutionised colour photography.
Larry’s also offers brunch, afternoon and evening food menu, that includes sharing platters, sandwiches, light snacks and desserts.
Practical Info
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Address
Larry’s | National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin’s Pl, London WC2H 0HE
Opening Times
Open daily from 10am
Dress Code
Smart casual
Ready for your next adventure? Selfridges Oxford Street is celebrating traditional British joke shops. The Joke Shop Selfridges pop-up store is open for funny business with cheeky items from our childhood and a prank cabinet until the 30th March.