BAR: Side Hustle

Confined within the resplendent walls of the Nomad hotel, Side Hustle has frequently been voted one of London's best bars, and was included in the longlist of the 2022 50 Best Bars by San Pellegrino. After a night at the theatre, my brother and I blagged a a couple of seats within the bar and got down to tasting the Mexican-inspired drinks on offer.

But before the drinks, a note on the location: Nomad is a hotel in Covent Garden very much in the style of the grand dames. The hotel is well known for its gorgeous rooms that are in keeping with the group's Manhattan roots, as well as the brunch offered in the restaurant. Side Hustle is situated up the stairs and through heavy doors that act to filter out the relative noisiness of the bar from the rest of the hotel. Decked out like an old speakeasy, the lights are kept low and the drinks spicy.

I first had the Side Hustle Paloma, consisting of Patron Silver Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Grapefruit, Lime, Agave and London Essence Grapefruit Soda. The acid from the lime cut the heat nicely, and all told this was a decent, spicy Paloma. 

I then went for the Michelada, consisting of Two Tribes X Nomad Mexican Sour Beer, Scotch Bonnet Pepper, Valentina, and White Miso. Though the ingredient list greatly differs, the end result was very similar to the Paloma; another fruity and slightly sour cocktail where spice ruled.

I was considering the seasonal Margarita before we called it a night, and though I didn't have the third drink, I don't believe that I particularly missed out. Side Hustle is a place to come for lively conversation before dancing, for cocktails that will put a spring in your step, but won't have you thinking about much after the fact. For that reason, I wouldn't say it's the best that London has to offer right now. For that, go North (though not too far).