Tramps Bar has quietly opened in Islington, emerging as one of London's best new bars. The venture is from acclaimed artist Peter Doig and his gallerist partner Parinaz Mogadassi, who had been widely expected to relaunch the cult Kings Cross boozer McGlynn's. Instead, they have covertly launched this chic spot.
Location and Atmosphere
Located just behind the 24-hour McDonald's on City Road, Tramps Bar occupies a municipal room that was once Doig's studio. The white-cube space sits next to the Victoria Miro gallery and is fittingly minimal. An A4 sheet tacked to the heavy door bears the bar's name in felt tip, seemingly written by a five-year-old. Inside, a few splashy modern canvases adorn the walls, and a knotted rug featuring the Tramps logo sits behind a curvy, freestanding vintage bar. The room's most imposing feature is a pair of mammoth speakers that once belonged to Florian Schneider of German electro-pioneers Kraftwerk. DJs occasionally perform, with Nabihah Iqbal among those who have played, but on one visit, staff had selected a soothing dub playlist.
Drinks and Menu
The drinks offering is deft, impressive, and nonchalant. A weekly changing A4-paper menu lists house martinis, an 'Arnoldo' (a tequila-spiked Arnold Palmer), a vermouth and soda with a gilda on the side, and wines starting at £9 a glass. The bar is very particular about martinis: only gin, never dirty. According to the bar, this pickiness yields fantastic results.
Seating and Tips
Guests can perch at one of five round tables, a handful of seats at the bar, or on black bean bags on the concrete floor. The bar is closed on weekends, and the best time to visit is a weekday lunchtime, when River Cafe alumni Harry McKenzie mans the tiny open kitchen, serving seriously luxe meals.
