Kamara Bar London Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Dee Ryz
Right in the heart of Soho, Kamara Bar is a newly launched bar from the brilliant minds of Brother Marcus, that delivers Mediterranean charm, inventive cocktails, scrumptious small plates and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With excellent transport links nearby, it’s an easy spot to reach whether you’re arriving by tube or bus – making it a convenient choice for a post-work drink or a weekend night out.
Stepping through the door, you’re immediately wrapped in a Mediterranean embrace. The interior is bathed in warm terracotta colours, creating a sun-kissed glow that feels both intimate and uplifting. Red velvet chairs add a touch of plush luxury, while the copper bar and copper ceiling catch the light beautifully, giving the room a golden sheen. It’s elegant without being pretentious – the kind of space that feels just as suited to a romantic date as it does to a catch-up with friends.
Kamara’s cocktail menu is inventive and adventurous, blending unusual ingredients with classic inspiration. I was lucky to have the opportunity to sample four of the cocktails available on the menu, and not one disappointed! The Yoghurt Cosmo aka Yosmo (Kamara blackberry spirit, sloe gin, Greek yoghurt, caramelised beetroot spirit, raspberry vinegar and grape molasses) was unlike any cosmopolitan I’ve ever tasted. It was super creamy, fruity, and tangy – it had a velvety finish that was both indulgent and refreshing. It’s the kind of drink that lingers, making you want another. Absolutely stunning!
The Coffee & Honey Old Fashioned (bourbon, eau de vie, coffee and cacao distillate, burnt butter, honey and aromatic bitters) was a standout. The bourbon whiskey and burnt butter brought a rich, boozy depth, while the honey added just enough sweetness – perfect for sipping slowly! The Apricot “Champagne” (muscat wine, apricot nectar, dry fortified wines and apricot kernels) was indeed ‘bubbly, light, and marzipany’, transporting me straight to a Mediterranean orchard, with its light, summery vibes.
For those who don’t drink alcohol, the Stonefruit “Manhattan” mocktail was utterly divine. The stonefruit vermouth and citrus spirit gave it depth and complexity – proof that abstaining doesn’t mean missing out! Each drink felt carefully crafted, layered, and balanced – excellent work all round.
Good cocktails deserve good food, and Kamara’s mezze selection delivers exactly that. The marinated olives with preserved lemon and chilli were a punchy, flavour-packed start, while the Cretan graviera cheese with Naxos arseniko, wild fig, and za’atar pita chips struck the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and savoury (I’ll be dreaming about the sticky sweet figs for the foreseeable!). The crispy calamari was beautifully cooked – fabulously light and crunchy – with a zhoug aioli that added a zesty kick. The fried chicken with muhammara and Greek graviera was indulgent and satisfying, with the muhammara’s smoky sweetness complementing the crisp chicken. For something lighter, the tomato, garlic, and olive oil rusk bread offered a fresh, simple Mediterranean flavour that worked wonderfully with the drinks. Each plate was well thought out and generous enough to share, making them ideal for grazing while working through the cocktail list.
What truly elevates Kamara Bar is the atmosphere. As I mentioned, the décor is wonderfully opulent without being overbearing, and the bar didn’t feel rushed or overcrowded, giving us space to relax and soak in the mood. Given you’re above street level, it created a sense of escapism – you easily forget you’re in London!
Overall, Kamara Bar is more than just another cocktail spot; it’s a carefully curated experience that blends delicious drinks, flavoursome food, and stylish surroundings. With its svelte Mediterranean-inspired décor and a cocktail list to suit every palate, it’s already earned a firm spot on my list of recommended bars for family and friends.
Rating: 5/5
For more information or to book a table, visit kamarabar.co.uk or www.instagram.com/kamarabar