Summer nights are beckoning at Somerset House's revitalising al fresco evenings.
The Somerset House Terrace Bar with San Miguel is back for the summer season with its ideal spot on the side of the River Thames.
The bar was bedecked with bright spring flowers when we attended the launch on April 12, a visual welcome which took the edge off the cold, drizzly evening.
With its sheltered and heated bar and ambient lighting, it's a perfect location for enjoying London's spring and summer evenings as the sun goes down.
We began our evening in the only plausible way, with a San Miguel Sundown Spritz, a delicious fizzy nectar made with tequila, cranberry juice, lime, grenadine, agave syrup and the San Miguel Especial.
The cocktail was surprisingly refreshing, given spritzes so often involve Prosecco or soda water, rarely beer.
We drank these while grazing on fried and salted corn snacks and plump green olives.
The extensive bar includes a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, spirits and mixers, wine and of course San Miguel's Especial, Gluten Free, 0,0 and Selecta beers - the only UK destination where you can enjoy these speciality beers on draught.
A brand new tapas menu has been curated by celebrity Spanish chef Omar Allibhoy and paired perfectly with the ice cold beer.
The bruschetta had a subtle taste of tomato and the crunch of the toasted bread was really satisfying.
The braised aubergine wedges were a full bodied mouthful of absolutely exquisite flavours and the smoked artichokes so refreshing.
The spicy tomato patatas bravas with alioli were very moreish.
Allibhoy, founder of the Tapas Revolution, said "everyone must try the traditional cocas".
These are essentially pizzas but on flatbreads and delicious.
There are meat, vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.
We had the serrano ham, watercress, tomato and manchego cheese and it was beautifully flavoured and light.
People can order individual tapas dishes, which start at around £5 or share a meat, vegetarian or vegan board at £21.50.
Entertainment was provided by the hugely talented internationally-recognised musician Ben Barnett, aka The SaxMan, who amplified the atmosphere with cool jazz melodies as a friend DJed alongside him.
The SaxMan and his team of artists will return on the last Friday of each month for live music sets.
This is the ideal place for friends, partners, colleagues, to kick back, relax, soak in the surroundings and thoroughly enjoy the season.
The Terrace Bar with San Miguel runs until October.
Somerset House, South Wing, Monday to Saturday 12pm until late, Sunday 12pm to 5pm.
To book a spot visit:
https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/somerset-house-terrace-bar
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