This small bar is a must for all cocktail fans. You’ll be like a kid in a sweet shop as the friendly bar staff mix you up a drink that makes you sigh with delight at the first sip.

The Venue
Jrink is located at the top of Frith Street, just before Soho Square. Although it presents itself to the outside world as just a door and a chalkboard, don’t be deceived: what lies behind those glass doors is a great little cocktail bar.

Once inside, the bar area is actually fairly small and quite narrow; it’s certainly not the best place to bring an entourage of 100. That said, it’s a well-presented place and, whilst low-key, it manages to feel quite special. There are two levels to the bar – the upper area is at the forefront of the venue with booths to tuck yourself away in and some high bar stools and tables for when it gets really busy. Down a few steps is the bar and dancefloor with tables and chairs on the side. The bar area is in good proportion to the bijous venue; however, it’s not so small you’re struggling for elbow room, which is always a key concern in the busy bars of Soho.

The decor is, again, pretty low-key with wooden booth seating and low tables. The walls are mostly exposed brickwork and the lighting is seductively dim, with candles glowing at each table. It all works together well to give an easygoing feel to the place, but perhaps it could do with some more comfortable seating to settle into.

The Atmosphere
This bar really gets into party mode in the evenings, but can be fairly quiet earlier in the day. People who frequent Jrink are usually trendy media types from the surrounding Soho companies and pre-club drinkers in high spirits. This gives the bar a great buzz and everyone seems to have a great time.

What takes Jrink up a level are the talented bar staff. These guys are clearly passionate about mixology and genuinely want you to have a good time and enjoy your drink. They will patiently wait as you browse the lengthy drinks menu, and are happy to mix you up something should it not be on the list. You’re not rushed away after your drink is made and the bar staff are happy to chat and make sure you have a great night.

The Music
Jrink’s policy must surely be attention to detail because, despite not being a club, the music has not been overlooked. The DJs here are extremely talented and worth the trip alone. There’s soul, funk, decent RnB, nu-jazz and Latin all in the mix here.

The Drink
A cocktail is a must here, even if you’re more of a pint person. The drinks menu is a good length; it’s not overwhelmingly long but has a decent selection to suit most tastes. The menu itself is divided up into well thought out sections. There are short cocktails and long (the Raspberry Supernova is incredibly fresh and zingy), classic cocktails and the house own creations. There are also martinis, juleps and mojitos. Pick at random and you’ll still end up with a drink you’ll fall in love with. All these cocktails are a healthy price of around £7. However, if that’s just too much but you’re longing to sample Jrink’s nectars then cocktails are £3.50 before 7pm (and draught beer is £2.50 during this time too).

If you’re anti-cocktail then there is draught beer (Beck Vier at £2.80 per pint and Staropraman at a slightly crippling £3.80). For bottled beer and cider there’s a good selection including the mainstays Corona and Magners (£3.50 and £4 respectively). There’s also wine on offer - three whites and two reds, which are a fair £14 a bottle.

The Last Word
Jrink is a little haven from the craziness of Soho. It’s intimate yet full of buzz, but really you should come for the cocktails and stay for the cocktails.

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