Take a journey back in time with The Gibson’s new menu relaunch…
Located on Old Street, The Gibson, an Edwardian inspired cocktail bar is one to delve into and explore the secrets of the cocktail world. This cocktail bar, in just one year, has gone from strength to strength. Having gained recognition for its exquisite attention to detail and burst of intricate flavours and tones, The Gibson is guaranteed to tantalise your tastebuds.
Even before entering the bar, the exterior stands out from the surrounding building works on the street. With its green tiling, black accents and rustic vibe, you instantly feel you are undergoing a journey back to the Edwardian period.
On our visit we were greeted by Su-Lin and quickly seated on the stalls directly in front of the bar. This enabled us to watch in awe as Owner, Marian Beke made and produced each cocktail to exceptional quality and with infinite precision. The decor of the Gibson is in-keeping with the Edwardian atmosphere, filled with quaint pockets of nineteenth century inspired ornaments. Despite it being a small space, it gives a sense of warmth and intimacy to the experience.
The attention to detail from the decor carries on through to the cocktails themselves. We were quickly shown an array of drinks to choose from and Marian and his staff efficiently asked what our typical choice of cocktail flavours typically were, then advised our choices.
First up, we both opted for something fruity and refreshing to warm up our tastebuds for the night ahead. Having been recommended ‘Tea Time with Alice’, it fit the bill perfectly. Bursting full of berry flavours, with the essence of Slingsby rhubarb gin, the cocktail did not disappoint. Marian swiftly showed his artistic vibe, presenting it as the cheshire cat from Wonderland alongside a mini steaming teapot, and other famous references from the Lewis Carroll short stories.
For our second tipple I opted for the ‘Goldfinger’, a lemongrass and guanabana based cocktail, with the glass coated with a lemon barbecue crust. With every sip, the coating added a touch of heat and spice while the cocktail balanced it all out gently. The orange and carrot flapjack brew on top added an element of sweetness to the overall taste.
To finish the night, we both opted for ‘The Hour of Star Dust’, which seemed fitting to end the enchanting evening on. The bartender explained the reasoning behind the cocktail and its influences of the forest. Each element represented a different area of the forest; the base being the rocks, the berries being the natural food source and the eerie fog portraying the mist in the dusk.
Each drink has been delicately intertwined with its flavours and the precision of detail was completely faultless. The new full menu has 48 enthralling cocktails to indulge in and each cocktail costs around £10-12.
Food-wise, the selection of food excels the average bar snack. From the ‘English grass-fed Beef Tartare’ to the ‘Tomato and Garlic Pickled Octopus’, all are accompanied with the right balance of flavours and textures and so much more than your average bag of crisps or peanuts!
The whole experience at The Gibson is a delight and we felt as though we had been whisked back in time. All the staff are extremely helpful and will guide you through a captivating evening. It is an excellent way to feel at ease with your close friends in the centre of the bustling streets of London.
Have you ever visited The Gibson? Let us know what your thoughts are below…
44 OLD STREET | EC1V 9AQ London UK
Tel: +44 20 7608 2774
Website: http://www.thegibsonbar.london
