The Blind Tiger in Battersea, London

Fluid Eating's Review of The Blind Tiger

Best for: something a little different in the Clapham area.

Great: old-fashioned cocktails, old-fashioned decor, old-fashioned restaurant.

I’ll let you into a little secret: I dig the past. I’ve been known to party like it’s the Blitz. I’ve been a swinger with the odd flapper. I’ve even worn a smoking jacket and once puffed on a pipe (albeit of the hash variety). I’m the real McCoy. I’m a swell guy. I’m a walking, talking, smoking anachronism.

I also reside in south London, so when a new speakeasy for Claphamites quietly opens, I want to know. The Blind Tiger is a clandestine (yet strictly legal, y’Honour) juice joint somewhere in the neighbourhood of Battersea. And why not? West London has Barts, east London has The Nightjar and Last Days of Decadence, central London has Purl, and north London; well, north London is too busy blagging a cigarette to care.

“We’re here to see The Blind Tiger” - this is what we were told to whisper at the door, and then to ask for The Baron. As his name suggests, he’s the big cheese around here. Immersing ourselves in the theatre of it all, we arrived as Jimmy Five Toes and The Diva.

There’s a palpable sense of déjà vu at The Blind Tiger. Perhaps you’ve been before. Perhaps not. Without giving the game away, the scene we were lead into was very much of the past. The ritzy interior boasted sultry drapes, antique candelabra, spying mirrors, medicinal bottles, decadent chandeliers, embossed wallpaper, and gargantuan Laura Ashley patterns on the walls. Spiffy!

Cosy two-person tables - with the adjacent seating for intimacy - bossed the middle ground whilst larger sofa tables hugged the restaurant’s edges. It wasn’t noisy, and the ragtime boogaloo music was a buzzy accompaniment, not a feature, mainly because bass hadn’t been invented by the 1920s.

As one would expect from a location on the verges of Clapham, this joint was full of daddies and dolls in glad rags, late 20s to 30s, with a healthy dose of Antipodean thrown in just for giggles. It felt like a raid could happen at any moment, but like I say, it’s totally legit, y’Honour.

The waiting staff were jovial and swift, although they struggled somewhat with recommendations and explanations; the cheese board was simply flopped down with no description. That said, the fromage were all Neal’s Yard (ie. pretty dandy. What?).

So, turns out it’s not a cocktail list, it’s a prescription for medicine. Anyone who believes this hooch is bootleg is full of baloney and should mind their Ps and Qs (piddling quips). Every prescription for medicine requires a different glass, and at only 6 or 7 notes a pop, these prescriptions for medicine are as much about the show as they are about curing ailments. The manner in which they’re delivered, the vessels in which they’re contained, the atmosphere within which they are enjoyed. They are the liquid equivalent of scoring the winning goal at the World Cup.

My manly Blood & Sand had a gentleman’s measure of alcohol, and, after coming in from the winter cold, it warmed me like a sentimental postcard from a dear friend. The two booze soaked cherries hiding at the bottom were particularly savoured. The Diva’s tipple, an Earl Grey-infused gin number called Regalitea, arrived in a teacup-and-saucer disguise. Had we been raided, the Diva would’ve waltzed away Scot-free.

When she chose a bottle of Chilean sauvignon blanc to go with our meal, I knew the dame had given the game away. She was right to though; it was the Torvil to my pan fried Halibut’s Dean. The fish’s fatty crust and hazelnuts earned top marks and the cavolo nero was the cat’s pyjamas.

Prior to the mains, the succulent duck was reverie-inducing, and I was told that the scallops were delicious, the chorizo was delicious, the parsnip mash was delicious, and the salad not needed.

For anyone who wishes their evening at The Blind Tiger to hit on all sixes, some advice:

Firstly, ladies, I encourage wearing flair in your hair and always, always remember your pearls. Gents, a collared shirt is surely a must, and where possible, have the foresight to grow a moustache for the occasion (because it is an occasion). We saw an incongruous chap in futuristic jeans and a t-shirt. Perhaps that was his DeLorean parked outside.

Secondly, skip desserts. They are satisfactory and serve the perfunctory role of agitating the buttons on one’s waistcoat, but the better idea is to get canned and/or jazzed on giggle water instead.

Thirdly, Wednesdays and Thursdays are for music lovers.

Lastly, when the man with the double bass stops playing, clap you philistines!

Dothing its cap to the speakeasy trend so prevalent in London today, yet not quite going all the way to third base, The Blind Tiger is reenacting the great bits of yesteryear right here in todaynow.

Reviewed by Christian Rose-Day.

DESCRIPTION: The Blind Tiger

A gentle nod to the Bright Young Things of beautiful London, the Golden Age of the Cocktail and 'The Noble Experiment' of the Roaring 1920's

The Blind Tiger is a new dining and drinking experience, specializing in classic cocktails and innovative speciality libations. Focus is on the art of re-creating forgotten drink recipes using exceptional ingredients, crafted individually by hand.

Our aim is to envelop you in the decadence and the romance of a by-gone era. We shall take you on a journey through some of the best and the worst drinking times in our recent history, a luxurious journey, through a period when their was a general feeling of modernity, and a break with traditions which marked the spirit of the time, both here in London and across the pond.

The culinary experience is enhanced through the innovations and artistic influences under the expert guidance of Head Chef Marek Novak. A seasonally aware menu incorporating the finer points of a classic British menu, doffing one’s cap to modern European flavours.

Running alongside his A la carte extravaganza, there is a Martini and Tea Party menu, served on Sundays, exceedingly delightful. The forgotten elegance of the English garden tea party accompanied with Pink Martini’s and Passion Fruit Bellinis.

The soundtrack will be rich with the sounds of Americana covering, Bluegrass, Cajun, Dixieland Jazz, Mardi Gras, and Chicago Blues evoking a provocative and stylish tone, to the art-deco inspired ambience.

So, fancy seeing a Blind Tiger? Watching a floorshow, from Vaudeville to a Crooner, from Big Band to Slide Guitar? You know where we are, or do you?

The Drinks

Leftfield and deviant beers, a diverse, yet accessible and impeccably presented wine list, and cocktails. Starting in the what became known as the Golden Age of the Cocktail, a time when a bitter strong alcoholic beverage was taken in the morning time to help with the after affects of the night before, a time of fizzes, flips, punches and cups.

Next stop, intriguing cocktails shaken in murky surroundings, when bathtubs were not purely for bathing in, the allure of the Speakeasy. Let's clear something up, during Prohibition, some deviant entrepreneurial types would charge folk a cover charge to see a Blind Pig, or some other amazing attraction, and serve a beverage on the side, but we can say hand on hearts that The Blind Tiger is not trying to be a Speakeasy, we do have a liquor licence and we do not sell bathtub gin! We do love this time in history, the carefree attitudes, the cock a snook to the long arm of the law, the lights were low, the music antique and the bartender's were centre stage.

From here, we jump lightly through the last 70 years of boozing stopping here and there at noteworthy times, landing squarely on today. Where our barkeeps do their thing, devising new, intriguing and inspiring recipes.

So join us at the bar, get your self a drink, and let us create you an experience.

Food:

Your dining experience will be delivered from the visual appeal to the aroma that feed the anticipation of each flavour, texture and temperature, which balance harmoniously on the palate.

We are championing the return of the lost art of service, a time when superior service was something that was expected. Our barkeeps are masters at mixing the classics as well as their own creations. They are more than happy to work with you and create a little something personal. Whilst our floortenders are there to ensure that you have the greatest time with us, made to feel a part of our family, and have a unique experience. Attention to detail is our thing.

The Blind Tiger offers an intimate dining experience for two through to larger private dining for up to twenty-two, with the option for larger drinks parties available. (Updated 13/04/2012)

The Blind Tiger Food & Drink Menus

Listed below are few sample food and drinks items available at The Blind Tiger. These lists are not enhaustive, but are instead designed to give you an overview of the venue's offerings and assciated prices.

The Blind Tiger Food menu

The culinary experience is enhanced through the innovations and artistic influences under the expert guidance of Head Chef Marek Novak. A seasonally aware menu incorporating the finer points of a classic British menu, doffing one’s cap to modern European flavours.

Running alongside his A la carte extravaganza, there is a Martini and Tea Party menu, served on Sundays, exceedingly delightful. The forgotten elegance of the English garden tea party accompanied with Pink Martini’s and Passion Fruit Bellinis.

Item	Price
Honey and mustard marinated pork loin	£15.95
Lamb rump	£17.95
Fillet of Rainbow Trout	£16.95
Red Gurnard fillets	£15.95
Tofu tempura	£13.95
Chateaubriand	£42.00
(For 2 people)

The Blind Tiger Drink menu

Leftfield and deviant beers, a diverse, yet accessible and impeccably presented wine list, and cocktails. Starting in the what became known as the Golden Age of the Cocktail, a time when a bitter strong alcoholic beverage was taken in the morning time to help with the after affects of the night before, a time of fizzes, flips, punches and cups.

Next stop, intriguing cocktails shaken in murky surroundings, when bathtubs were not purely for bathing in, the allure of the Speakeasy. Let's clear something up, during Prohibition, some deviant entrepreneurial types would charge folk a cover charge to see a Blind Pig, or some other amazing attraction, and serve a beverage on the side, but we can say hand on hearts that The Blind Tiger is not trying to be a Speakeasy, we do have a liquor licence and we do not sell bathtub gin! We do love this time in history, the carefree attitudes, the cock a snook to the long arm of the law, the lights were low, the music antique and the bartender's were centre stage.

From here, we jump lightly through the last 70 years of boozing stopping here and there at noteworthy times, landing squarely on today. Where our barkeeps do their thing, devising new, intriguing and inspiring recipes.

So join us at the bar, get your self a drink, and let us create you an experience.

Item	Description	Price
The Drake	El Dorado 5 yr old Rum, fresh mint, cane sugar and freshly squeezed lime juice..	£6.95
Martinez	209 gin, sweet vermouth, a dash of maraschino and bitters, a slice of lemon and gum syrup.	£6.95
Negroni	Beefeater 24 Gin, Campari, Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth and an orange slice..	£6.95
Georgia Mint Julep	Hennessy VS Cognac, peach liqueur, peach puree, fresh mint and sugar.	£6.95
Blood and Sand	Monkey Shoulder Blended Whisky, fresh orange juice, Cherry Brandy and Sweet Vermouth..	£6.95
Mayfair Cocktail	Hendrick’s Gin, Apricot Brandy, freshly squeezed orange juice and clove syrup..	£6.95
Black Cherry Manhattan	Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Red Stag Cherry Bourbon, bitters and Dry Vermouth.	£6.95
Lemongrass and Chilli Margarita	El Jimador Tequila infused with chilli and lemongrass, squeezed lime and lemon juice and agave syrup..	£6.95
Jasmine and Elderflower Martini	Jasmine infused Wyborowa Vodka, Elderflower Liqueur, and Dry Vermouth..	£6.95
Mandarin Old Fashioned	Woodford Reserve Bourbon, fresh mandarin, Mandarin Liqueur, sugar and bitters.	£6.95
Gentleman's Mojito	Beefeater Gin, bitter orange marmalade, fresh mint, cloudy apple juice, lime juice and elderflower syrup..	£6.95
Lemongrass & Lychee Daiquiri	Havana Barrel Proof Rum, lemongrass, lychee, lime juice and Trio Riveries sugar syrup.	£6.95
Apricot & Vanilla Sour	Martell VS Cognac, Apricot Brandy, lemon juice, apricot jam, vanilla bitters and sugar..	£6.95
Regalitea	Earl Grey infused Beefeater 24 Gin, Madagascan vanilla sugar, lemon juice, peach bitters, topped with champagne.	£7.50
Rhubarb & Honey Bellini	Godminster Rhubarb infused Vodka, rhubarb bitters, and a piece of honeycomb topped with Prossecco..	£7.25

The Blind Tiger Opening Hours

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
2:00pm - 1:00am	Closed	5:00pm - 12:00am	5:00pm - 12:00am	5:00pm - 1:00am	Closed	Closed

The Blind Tiger Map

• Show me a Printable map

“unexpected drop in, but so glad i did loved the menu and the service was charming. will defiantly go again.” Rating: — merryl cain-o'grady, bradford abbas (14 May 2012)

“really good time” Rating: — andrew mccarthy, oxford (18 Apr 2012)

“Dined at the Blind Tiger last night, fantastic. Great concept, place looked really good, like stepping back in time. Dinner was lovely, cocktails are amazing, old recipes, but for me the thing that really stood out was the service. People who actually look like they enjoyed themselves at work, and were genuinely interested in the customer having a good time. Cant recommend this place enough” Rating: — Darren Walker, London (19 Nov 2010)

Book a Table

Newsletter Sign-up

Your Name
Your City	Birmingham Brighton Edinburgh London Manchester
Your e-mail
	Terms & Conditions

Complete!

You are now signed up to the Fluid Eating newsletter. You have been sent an email with details on how to verify your email address, as well as changing your newsletter preferences in the future.