Harrisons Basement Cocktail Bar Review
Harrison's Basement Cocktail Bar
London
Open from 6pm Tuesday to Saturday
Reviewed by Natalie Copson
Harrison's is a restaurant and bar owned by Sam Harrison. It opened in October 2007 and set over two floors: the main restaurant and bar on street level, and a 'secret' basement cocktail bar below. It is situated in the heart of Balham, London surrounded by shops, cafes and restaurants.
Our evening consisted of a set menu of two alcoholic cocktails, one non-alcoholic cocktail, a white wine and a red wine. Nibbles were provided throughout the evening. From Wild Boar Scotch Eggs to Giant Green Puglia Olives, there was something for everyone.
As you approach Bedford Hill, you can already feel the buzz coming from the bar. The bright lights in the signs and general chatter make it difficult to miss. Windows were pulled right back, leaving a whole corner of the bar exposed to the street, just as it should be on a warm summer's evening. On arrival we were greeted and taken downstairs to the cocktail bar. I must admit, on first impressions I felt it was dark and small. However I think this was due to my own expectations! After sitting at the bar and ordering my first cocktail, The Sunrise, I found it cosy, intimate and exciting.
The vodka based cocktail was made by pouring shots of different potions and lotions into a glass, then filling it to the top with ice. This didn't really give the 'wow' factor I expect when going to a cocktail bar. However it tasted absolutely amazing. There were so many flavours to it and it was a perfect summer drink. I could have drank it all night! Next I ordered the 'Strawberry Fizz'- the other cocktail on the select menu. This was pretty much sparkling wine flavoured with strawberries. Presented in a champagne flute with a strawberry floating in the top, it certainly looked the part. Again this was a lovely summer drink with a great flavour too it – also one I could have drank a lot more of! These cocktails weren't on the price list so it's difficult to say whether they'd have been good value for money. Most of the cocktails on the list were priced at around £8 so considering the location and quality of the venue I'd say they were priced quite fairly.
Now it's time for the food… firstly we tried some mini chorizo sausages. Fresh from the kitchen and they were amazing! Almost the highlight of my night! They had a little bit of a kick but not enough to deter sensitive tongues like mine. These were followed by green peppers, shredded duck lettuce wraps, wild boar scotch eggs and Lamb & Chorizo burgers. All of which were equally tasty and had quirky twists on classic nibbles. Although we didn't get to taste samples of all items on the Bar Food menu, I'd say what we had was priced fairly. From £1.50 for a packet of Pipers Crisps to £8.50 for the Harrison's Charcuterie Board you can't go far wrong.
All in all it was a great night and once there was a lot of people there it was a great atmosphere. I would love to visit again at some point to try a couple of cocktails from the main menu, as they sound amazing and are different to your classic 'long island ice tea' and 'sex on the beach'. Being 5 minutes from Clapham Junction and on the Northern Line, Harrison's makes the perfect venue for a get together with quirky cocktails and tasty nibbles.
Rating: 4/5
For more information, view menus or reserve a table visit www.harrisonsbalham.co.uk
