London gets new listening bar
Under the Counter in Soho will open on 18 April, offering cocktails alongside a ‘high-quality’ music experience.
The bar will be found underneath The Counter restaurant and will be led by its executive chef Kemal Demirasal and bar manager Joao Silva.
Demirasal said: “I’m thrilled to bring Under the Counter to Soho – a listening bar where bold Turkish flavours, inventive cocktails, and an immersive sound experience come together. We’ve crafted a menu that not only complements the drinks but also enhances the rhythm of the space, creating a dining experience that’s as dynamic as the music.”
Cocktails are based around the theme of ‘spice’ and include the Moonviel, which blends barley shochu, roasted green tea cordial and yuzu.
The Obsidian Ritual features añejo Tequila, cacao and pasilla pepper syrup, and fermented coffee liqueur, while the Eclipse of Ember combines mezcal, date and fenugreek syrup, and spiced bitters.
Non-alcoholic options include the Spiced Strawberry Milk Punch, which blends fresh strawberries with balsamic and spices, and the Umbral Nectar, which features black tea, roasted barley, and bergamot kefir whey.
The food options include pistachio and feta cigars with miso aioli; house-cured sujuk with butter beans; and fries with homemade caviar mayo.
Featuring 30 covers, the bar has been designed by Mia Architecture and Tuğcu Design.
A full sound system will be on offer, including a Michell Gyrodec turntable, a Michell TecnoArm and a Technics 1210 turntable, as well as Klipsch Cornwall and Klipsch Heresy speakers. Guests can expect an evolving roster of DJs alongside specially curated playlists.
Listening bars were one of our trends to watch for 2025, with London examples including Black Lacquer and Nipperkin.
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