The Distillery Bar — Restaurant in London

I’ve just tried to come and join you for what I hoped would be an exquisitely crafted cocktail and either a meal or some light bites. I was lured in by your welcoming signage and offers advertised outside. I thought it was just a run of the mill London bar.

Imagine how perplexed I was when a member of staff walked up and asked me if he could help me as soon as I walked in, then when I asked for a menu was told that the bar was part of the hotel and only for hotel guests. I knew it was a lie, he knew it was a lie, but there was something so shaming and confusing in the treatment that I very uncharacteristically didn’t even challenge him. From my experience of regularly staying in various hotel chains for work, this isn’t usually the case for internal hotel bars, let alone ones at street level with ‘come on in’ signage at street level. I’ve never been treated like this anywhere.

Maybe it was my difference - the fabulous rainbow hair, which takes a skilled colourist 3h to craft? Although it usually attracts compliments and smiles, not rudeness.

I’m now sipping on a chilli & coconut margarita in a venue a little further up that has welcomed my patronage so has my delectable company, money & tips.

Although I’ve finally got something to eat it’s left a nasty feeling behind. I’m a lone female freelancer travelling to London from the Midlands. After a tiring trip where trains & rain have only added to the joy of the day, being shamed by a bar staff member has been bizarre, confusing & upsetting. All I can thank the universe for is that thank goodness I wasn’t booked into the Hilton London Bankside and got a much warmer welcome from the one I was booked into (next road to the Hilton, ironically). The reception staff actually smiled at me and ensured my needs were met…...

This is a very busy venue, possibly too noisy for autistic people like me so l would suggest eating early if you want to hear the conversation at your table. It attracts large groups of people from neighbouring tech, marketing and financial sector buildings as well as the nearby hotels hosting conferences. It has high industrial style ceilings( no sound baffles !), long shabby chic tables, scuffed wooden tables and the usual arrangement of soft furnishings scattered across the seating areas. There is one disabled toilet downstairs otherwise it's a three tier stair climb to the other facilities. It's dimly kit so watch your step if you're in heels 👠 and a tight skirt.

Service was attentive if a little slow between starters and main course. There was a mistake made with our wine which was very quickly rectified before anyone drank it. The portions are generous. My wild farmed flour sourdough bread for instance was shared between three of us. My chicken breast was succulent, the vegetables al dente and bone of it was too salty. I was delighted to be able to create my own bespoke dessert by asking for 2 scoops of salted caramel ice cream with the pistachio chantilly cream that belonged to a chocolate cake l had no room for. This was a nice touch that was much appreciated. I imagine the outdoor tables are a popular choice in the...

From the outside this looked like a promising bar for a post-business meeting drink, but unfortunately we left pretty disappointed. Inside the decor is great and it has a sophisticated vibe to it, and there’s a number of outdoor seating options which are all very good.

It took a while to get served at the bar, despite it not being busy, and we started to wonder if we were purposely being ignored. Eventually the bar staff took our order though but with no interaction at all - no hello, thank you or anything. He took the time to print and present the receipt before pouring the drinks which showed the addition of a service charge which certainly didn’t feel justified.

Sitting outside made for a relaxing drinking experience but certainly not a cheap one, and being made to feel rather unwelcome means I’m unlikely to...