Hamish Smith reviews Muse at Royal Society of Arts House on the Strand.
Muse at the Royal Society of Arts’ RSA House on London’s Strand is the latest case of cocktail culture finding its way into ever-more virgin territory.
Now, after a cerebral pick-me-up at the arresting four-walled masterpiece The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture, there is somewhere to ruminate – muse, even – over a glass of something tasty.
With drinks by Marcis Dzelzainis pulling on British ingredients and drinking heritage, they don’t disappoint. Try the foamy Crimson & Clover with gin, English Rose vermouth, Capreolus Raspberry eau de vie, rhubarb and lemon.
Or away from cocktails, some ‘West Country champagne’ – a glass of the very British Gospel Green vintage ‘cyder’.
As with many cocktail bars to establish themselves among the bright lights and white walls of public spaces, Muse feels more a collection of rooms put to good use than a bar that offers an immersive experience.
With more work on the décor and ambience, allied to the existing warm and engaging service, Muse could move beyond a drinking hole for visitors of RSA House to more of a destination venue.
Score: 6/10
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