The International Overview
As the grown-up sibling of the lively Rock Garden in Covent Garden, The International Bar and Restaurant is a much more serious contender. The Pan-Asian Restaurant, central Bar and Champagne Bar are split over three floors, offering “a modern alternative to socialising” in the heart of the West End. I wondered whether I would be grown up enough to qualify?
Happily, the atmosphere manages to be warm and welcoming as well as fantastically stylish and minimal. On the top floor, Katana restaurant is a tranquil retreat from the bustle of Trafalgar Square; smart black leather furniture, white linen, a few well-placed wooden artefacts and gentle lighting create a relaxed but contemporary atmosphere. The menu of light, fresh food is perfectly cooked and beautifully presented; crispy, light tempura and juicy dim sum to start followed by an outstanding Thai green curry and delicately seared tuna on a bed of springy green tea noodles. Service is friendly, confident and, well… international! Who would expect anything else? Plus the no-music policy means that, whether you are there for business or pleasure, the atmosphere is calm and relaxed.
In the ground floor bar things could get a little more heated. Swirling art décor oil paintings, large red sofas and candles give the place a warm, laid back feel, perfect for a few drinks after work. The music is upbeat and there is a great bar menu of sharing platters in case you get carried away with the cocktails. Further down still at the International, the subterranean Champagne bar can be hired out for small gatherings: an exclusive den for fans of the fizzy stuff with deep red walls, funky leather seating and seductive lighting.
The International is a venue for grown-ups… but achieves that top quality feel without the intimidating atmosphere and price tag. It also has plenty to offer after work when you’re ready to let you hair down… (Updated 18/05/2007)
Additional Info: Cocktails, Late License, Cocktails Recommended, Food Recommended, Hire Available, Outside Drinking, Security, Food
Nearby Venues:
- St Martin's Spice, Indian (0.05km)
- Spaghetti House (St.Martins Lane), [Other/Unclassified] (0.05km)
- Caffe Uno (St Martins Lane), Italian (0.05km)
- Pitcher & Piano Bar (WC2), Modern International (0.07km)
- National Cafe (The), European (0.07km)
- National Dining Rooms and Bakery (The), British (0.07km)
- Portrait Restaurant & Bar, Modern European (0.09km)
- Cafe in the Crypt, [Other/Unclassified] (0.09km)
- Hazuki, Japanese (0.10km)
- Thai Pot (Covent Garden), Thai (0.11km)
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