Thirteen sweeps into London’s bar scene with an intoxicating allure — a sultry hideaway that whispers of bygone glamour and rebellious indulgence. Amongst hundreds within the central radius, it stands out, offering an unapologetically bold experience. Where many lean towards minimalism, this den pulses with unabashed personality, blending striking design with imaginative cocktails that pay homage to freedom and hedonism.
The entrance is quite unassuming with matte black walls and a splash of red from the awning. However, stepping inside reveals a world away from the ordinary. Instantly met by the blinding molten ceramic bar, glowing like a fiery jewel, this arresting focal point wholly defines the maximalist vision.
Inside, opulence drips from every corner. Baroque and Gothic design elements meet in a blend of velvet drapes, leather stools, and marble tabletops, all under a textured, brutalist ceiling. Checkered flooring, mural chain curtains (displaying several musical legends of the past), and a bold mix of blood red, black, and blue with touches of gold—retrieve the spirit of Rock ’n’ Roll.
Thirteen centrally acts as a destination bar and key component in the immersive cultural district of the Outernet.
Providing elevated privacy for those in the know, dial8 is discreetly located beneath the Thirteen with elevated menus. Tattu offers contemporary Chinese dining with panoramic views atop the Now Building, while The Lower Third rounds out the neighbourhood collective, rendering an underground space for the extension of creative expression and live music.
Stirring up old classics and bold new creations, the cocktail menu at Thirteen takes guests on a journey of exploration, through eras of taste, as it captures ‘what was and what will be’. Japanese-inspired small plates complement the drinks, including standout dishes like Thirteen’s Signature Rolls and the succulent Chicken Gyozas.
For the inventive drinks, the “Lady Stardust” channels Bowie with 42 Below Vodka, Aperol, Cointreau, passion fruit, lychee, and sparkling wine, while Ride’s “Vapour Trail” is a playful concoction of Strawberry & Lemongrass Grey Goose vodka, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, Galliano L’Autentico, almond syrup, and citrus. Even classics such as the Spicy Margarita are perfectly executed and beautifully presented.
The staff match the atmosphere with genuine enthusiasm and passion. Alessandra, the assistant manager, makes every guest feel like part of the Thirteen family. Open from noon till night, Monday through Friday, the bar keeps its rock roots alive with a line-up of DJs, including Mark Hayward, Jake Peters, and Ash Rah, who fill the space with soul, jazz, funk, disco and much more.
Both a tribute and a preview, a mirror to the past and a beacon for what’s to come, in this era, Denmark Street is being reborn.
@thirteen_ldn
www.chateaudenmark.com/thirteen
1-3 Denmark St, London WC2H 8LP
