Benares has long had a reputation as one of the best Indian restaurants in London, but if you want to stop in at this starry Berkeley Square Indian without shelling out on a blowout meal, you can - head to the award-winning bar and lounge for a quick snack and a cocktail instead.
You can't miss the bar - you'll see it immediately as you enter the lounge, clad in striking maroon and blue herringbone tiles, lined with an inviting row of smart leather bar stools. There are comfortable club chairs to sink into in the lounge too, for those planning on a longer stay.
Wine is a fundamental part of dining at Benares, so it's not surprise that the bar stocks a considerable wine collection; the cellar boasts an extensive list of over 400 bins from 17 countries around the world, including less represented wine growing countries like Georgia, Romania and Hungary. All these wines are available for bar patrons too, many of them by the glass or in magnums.
If you're in the market for something a bit different, Benares' mixologists whip up some seriously inventive cocktails behind the bar. The signature cocktail list includes intriguing drinks like the Curry Spritz (curry infused Salcombe Start Point Gin, Aperol and wine bitters), the Passion Fruit Chutney Martini (passion fruit chutney, Wyborowa Vodka and fresh lemon juice) and the Nuclear Margarita (Tequila Blanco, herbal liqueur, green chilli agave and mango puree). Non-drinkers have a bevy of non-alcoholic cocktails to choose from, as well as lassis in multiple flavours.
All the while, Benares' experienced sommelier team and mixologists are on hand to guide you through the menu and find something to suit your tastes.