Anise is a modern, spice-led cocktail lounge, situated next door to sister site Cinnamon Kitchen City. It’s part of the Cinnamon restaurant group, headed up by highly regarded Indian chef Vivek Singh.
Singh first made a name for himself as the chef patron of Cinnamon Club - an Indian restaurant situated inside the Grade-listed Westminster Library. The success of Cinnamon Club has spawned a group of restaurants that includes multiple Cinnamon Kitchen and Cinnamon Bazaar sites across London, as well as standalone cocktail bar Anise.
Inside, Anise feels slick and modern, decked out in earthy spice tones. Sprawling leather booths provide semi-private spaces for small groups who want a tiny bit of privacy, and there are stools up at the bar for anyone who wants to get the inside track on how Anise’s excellent bartenders mix up their unique cocktails.
The bar specialises in cocktails that have a unique spice-led angle to them, taking classic combinations and giving them an Indian twist. Cocktails have been designed in collaboration with iconic mixologist Tony Conigliaro, and include signature mixes like the Assam Manhattan, where Assam black tea is infused with Buffalo Trace bourbon and mixed with vermouth, maraschino and black cardamom. A classic Kir gets similar treatment, given an exotic edge with toasted coconut and coconut liqueur.
The drinks menu includes lots of other options, including a pretty extensive wine list, spirits, beers, soft drinks and more, making Anise ideal if you’re in the area for a pre- or post-dinner tipple. If you’re hungry, head next door to Cinnamon Kitchen, which serves well-priced, accessible regional Indian food.