As a seasoned ‘Ham Yarder’, I’ve been going there for business meetings and social one-on-ones for yonks now.
It’s super central, hidden away in a small square a stone’s throw from Piccadilly tube. My favourite is taking people there who’ve don’t even know it exists.
The new cocktail menu to mark their 10th anniversary has kicked them into higher gear, with 10 cocktails (alongside numerous small plates) that take you through a journey around Soho, ‘where every sip tells a tale’. It’s imaginative, downright tasty and even a little bit moving.
The Vibe
A spacious summer courtyard in the belly of Soho is unheard of, frankly. Ham Yard’s is an oasis of zen, surrounded by pubs teeming with largely Guinness-swigging clientele. I’m looking squarely at you, The Devonshire.
There’s a spacious dining room inside if the weather’s misbehaving, which comes with the elevated-eclectic interior décor only The Firmdale Hotel Group (which Ham Yard is part of) knows how to pull off. Alternatively, smaller tables by the bar for a more ‘in-and-out’ style situation if you’re pressed for time.
The Food and Drink
Soho needs to be celebrated more, and handily the cocktail menu comes with a attractively-designed map of the area, like a boozy Monopoly board.
They’ve thought of everything, from ‘Peachy Pride’ acknowledging the area’s LGBTQ+ inclusivity, ‘The Polly Parrot’ telling the story of Jimi Hendrix releasing two parakeets into Soho (which have since multiplied), ‘Un Corretto’ with bourbon, almond milk, coffee and cherry to celebrate Soho’s coffee houses. ‘The Dragon’s Den’ is a nod to neighbouring Chinatown and my favourite, ‘Blushed Tomato’ with Pea Pod vodka, clarified gazpacho and pickle juice is a big-up to Berwick St market, allegedly the first to bring tomatoes to Soho.
Bar snack-wise, you have to try the Korean fried cauliflower, the wild red prawns with chilli, garlic and lemon, oh, and the game chips.
The Value
Not going to lie, cocktails are on the pricey side, even for the area, starting at £16 a pop. But they are in a league of their own and clearly very well thought out and executed by a master storyteller. The bar food items are priced like starters, at around £7, £10, £12, £14, which feels about right for the quality and not insignificant portion size.
The Service
We were expertly served by the joy that is Sahran, who graciously pulled over another table to accommodate the massive amount of food we’d ordered, with zero judgement. They are a clued up, warm and friendly bunch at Ham Yard. Shout out to Lawrence, their Sommelier, and of course Riccardo for curating a ravishing suite of cocktails.
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