Alexandra Kalinowski gets dragged out for a night at a plush dive near King’s Cross.
It’s not often you’ll find me out four nights in a row. But a bar designed as your personal minibar with unlimited help yourself popcorn was enough to drag me out for cocktails to catch up with an old friend.
We arrived at Minimix, the world’s largest mini-bar. Designed in the steam-punk style, the space also serves as The Megaro hotel’s lobby, making this potentially one of London’s most unique lobby bars with self-serve cocktails. We didn’t spend too much time there as the queue for cocktails was never-ending, and fishing for the next Parmesan truffle croquette was bringing out the negative competitive side in me. But we did make our way through the restaurant and down the stairs into the ‘dive bar’ to enjoy our cocktails in a more relaxed setting.
Now famous in New York City, the London dive bar culture morphs into more of a speakeasy, rough and rustic with a touch of class. Megaro’s Piano Bar is no exception, although I’d say apart from being underground, I fail to see how this qualifies as a dive bar. Plush, low seating, homey-like wallpaper, and a see-through piano actually set the scene for a decadent night out. There we enjoyed a few mules and Negronis served in rather scientific vessels as we caught up with one another. Occasionally our eyes would dart towards the Chihuahua in a pink dress floating around the room, but I can’t promise you the same entertainment. I can, however, most likely guarantee a people-watching crowd.
We spent the rest of the night enjoying the live music, most of which was requested by guests. It’s certainly a great addition to the King’s Cross nightlife, and hopefully a sign of more to come.
More information on The Megaro Hotel can be found at themegaro.co.uk.
You can find The Megaro at Belgrove St., London WC1H 8AB.
