The ideal spot to let your hair down, writer Sanjuna Budhani visits The Little Violet Door in the heart of Carnaby for a modern day house party meets energetic bar experience
House parties are the best parties. There’s something about being surrounded by the familiarities of a home, the comfort and casualness that often leads to the most memorable conversations. Draping yourself over a sofa arm, dancing in the kitchen, holding counsel in the bathroom.
I got the chance to experience the best bits of a house party and a bar – no I don’t have wealthy friends – rolled into one at the Little Violet Door.
You may have seen The Little Scarlet Door in Soho or The Little Yellow Door by Portobello Road. Nestled in Carnaby Street’s Kingly Court, The Little Violet Door continues the flatshare theme with the menu and execution of a Central London bar.
Come on in
As you enter, it feels like the home of a friend that has an impeccable interior design eye. Details like umbrellas by the door, shoes lined up neatly and thriving house plants – ok maybe not 100% accurate – are playful accents to the flatshare theme.
But as you venture downstairs, and pass the extra decorative bathroom complete with bathtub, that’s where the party kicks it up a notch. There’s a DJ set up on the kitchen island, books and board games stacked on shelves. The bar is electric with activity. There’s a wonderful vibrant energy to the downstairs area which offers a great alternative to the quieter, more relaxed atmosphere you find upstairs.You can take your pick.
Pour it up
The food menu features nibbles like house crisps and charcuterie boards – on the ubiquitous Ikea wooden boards, a nice touch – as well as bigger plates like burgers and toasties. The service was also top notch and they were incredibly attentive to the allergies of my dining companion. While the food was good fare, the drinks were the real stars of the show.
The cocktails are inventive, take inspiration from films and are just downright delicious. The “y tu mama tambien” with tequila and mezcal is spicy and laced with a subtle smokiness. La Dolce Vita tastes like an almond cake with none of the overpowering sweetness.
A riff on one of my favourite cocktails, the “Crimes of Passion” is a generous goblet of fruity fizz. The drinks menu is endless so there will definitely be something that tickles everyone’s fancy. There’s also not a lot of places that serve cocktails in a milk bottle and we’re here for it.
The Wordrobe Verdict
The Little Violet Door is just incredibly fun. Their concept is brilliantly executed and the attention to detail doesn’t go amiss. It’s a great option for any sort of night out, catch-up drinks with a friend, dancing with a big group or getting to know a first date.
Make it happen
How: Find out more and make a booking via thelittlevioletdoor.co.uk
Where: 9 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PH
Words by Sanjuna Budhani, freelance writer
