Zebrano (Bar/Restaurant)
14-16 Ganton Street, near Carnaby Street, Soho, London, W1F 7BT (Map)
Cuisine: Eclectic
Average Price: £20.00
Tel: 0871-223-1254 ?
Email to Zebrano
Transport: Oxford Circus
Zebrano London Review
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Every so often you find the stars just align. You know, the type of night when the company is great, the drinks are delicious and the merriment just surrounds you. I recently experienced such a night at Zebrano’s.
Now, I’ve visited enough bars in the best cities in the world - including more than a handful in our own fair city - to look down my nose at lesser establishments. But, all I want to do is tell you about how brilliant Zebrano’s is. Of course, visiting in late December means that everyone, including the bouncers, are in a good mood at most venues, and here it was no different; a warm reception at the door was followed by swift guidance to our table downstairs.
Spread across two floors, the ground level of this central establishment has a typical bar feel where settling down for some food is encouraged, while downstairs the lounge area doubles up as a handy place to throw some shapes. In fact, it’s the underground bar that is Zebrano’s biggest asset. Dark, sultry reds and deep browns adorn the walls, and intimate alcoves - great for people watching at a safe distance - are mixed with high tables.
There’s an extensive cocktail menu that, we were told, has been specially created by celebrity mixologist, Chris Sheldon. Although we’ve never heard of him, we can say that he’s clearly very good at his job. There wasn’t a drink we tried from the huge list that we didn’t like, which featured everything from Espresso Martinis to Slippery Nipples. Persuasion is a cocktail we enjoyed very much, and the Lycee Gunman is the best drink I’ve had in ages. For those who don’t fancy a cocktail, this London bar located just off fashion-conscious Carnaby Street, also has a large menu of wines and champagnes.
Back to our night… Of course, visiting during the party season meant it was inevitable that we’d stumble into someone’s work party. But rather than hinder our night, it actually made it hilarious. Encouraged by looks of, “hmm, what department are they from?”, a healthy dose of cocktail courage, and the DJ’s taste in pop music, it wasn’t long before ‘Cheryl’ and ‘Leona’ took to the dance floor. Yes, the names were obvious, but that was the whole point. Shaking what our mammas gave us to the likes of Beyonce, Britney and even the Kings Of Leon, we had such a blast that we knew immediately that this was a venue we would recommend for future girly nights, drinks with workmates and even hen-dos.
The atmosphere was electric (though we were informed that weeknights are usually a lot quieter), and the bouncers DIDN’T have an SAS complex. You know, the one where they throw and shove people around needlessly to exert their power. The bar staff were also friendly and the vibe was fantastic. Even the toilet attendant was chipper. Which brings me to the ladies loo. Zebrano wants everyone to enjoy themselves and stay safe whilst partying, so they’ve thought of everything. There’s a drink holder in each cubicle so there’s no need to worry about leaving cocktails unattended. And if you’ve seen a nice boy, but are suffering from falafel breath as a result of the food platter, then fear not, there is chewing gum available, as well as hand lotion, perfume, deodorant, and probably even an iron if you look hard enough.
The only downside to Zebrano would probably be the bar food. Yes, there is a good selection of platters available, from meat feasts to veggie snacks, and from the way the mini burgers were demolished on the next table we can guess they were quite good. But our meat and cheese platter wasn’t, and the selection of cheese was neither vast nor exciting.
That said, it wouldn’t stop us from heading back to Zebrano’s for another fun-filled night out, or to knock back some more Lycee Gunmans at the very least. After all, the location is handy, the staff friendly and the drinks superb.
Farzana Ali (17 01 2010)
Zebrano London Description
Zebrano is where London's hip, cool and funky people hang out. For those who want to party till late, their resident and guest Js play the West End's hottest tunes till late in the vibrant basement lounge bar, while the bar/restaurant upstairs is open out on to the street making it perfect for chilling out and people-watching.
In the kitchens, Zebrano's top chefs create some of the finest food around using a selection of ingredients from around the world. Satisfying main meals, tasty light-bites and healthy salads are served in the dining area upstairs, while dishes to nibble and/or share are available downstairs.
The expert barmen are renowned for creating the most colourful and potent cocktails around and the friendly and efficient staff offer table service to their intimate alcoves - perfect for a romantic night out.
Customer Reviews for Zebrano
The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Zebrano.
“This bar is the best in soho always go here when i can and it never dissapoints! Drinks are always great and a variety of cool music to listen to. No other soho bar can compete!”
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Joe Smith, newquay (10 months 9 days ago)
“I come here all the time after work, and I will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. If we manage to get there for Happy Hour we go nuts on cocktails and have to leave early, cos they pack a punch. If we get there later we order a couple of sharing platters and some beers and chill until the music gets louder.
Basically, everyone in the office loves this place, and one of the barmaids in particular...”
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rakapravena, London (1 years 10 months 7 days ago)
“I have just read some good reviews of this place but when I went I was not that impressed - struggled to have a conversation with my 2 friends sitting right next to me as music was loud or accoustics not quite right and it was way too dark so couldn't really see people! Also, a shame they serve doubles as a matter of course - what about those people who just want a nice single?! Music good though and not atmosphere but not sure I would go again...”
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Emily Emily, London (2 years 1 months 25 days ago)
“Really enjoy this place for any time in the evening, whether its for afterwork drinks, pre-club rinks or a late nighter. I like the layout and its great for any size of group. Decent selection of drinks but at a fairly costly price. Good music and a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere!”
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Simon, London (5 years 8 days ago)
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“A friend recommended this bar - popped in after work onFriday. The music was great, atmosphere amazing, and the staff were friendly... and good looking! I had such a great night i went back Saturday - which was even better!”
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Andy, London (5 years 1 months 8 days ago)
“Since my last visit to Zebrano there have been great improvements. First and foremost, they have new owners. Their aim has been to both improve the customer focus
of the staff and to enhance the interior of the bar. The sexy red interior is still the predominate theme, but they have expanded the dance area downstairs and
improved the sitting areas.
With the improvements to the space, along with the great DJ music, it makes for a night that you just don't want to stop. This is ably assisted some of the
best value drinks in Soho. I recommended a friend of mine book her 29th birthday
party downstairs in the "VIP" area. It was agreed by
all the it was a great night out.
Highly recommended!!
”
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Drew, London (5 years 2 months 9 days ago)
“Absolutely fantastic venue, new decor, great atmosphere 10/10”
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mark pritchard, [ Unknown ] (5 years 3 months 18 days ago)
“A relaxed, friendly bar with good music, feels less "chainy" than other places nearby. The cocktails are good and the bar staff were friendly- well my friend managed to blag a free drink from one anyway! The bar snacks were good although portions not that generous. This will definitely become a favourite West End venue.”
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annab, London (6 years 1 months 13 days ago)
“Zebrano looks promising (interesting decor, DJ booth, long cocktails menu) but sadly doesn't deliver. Cocktails, mainly of the "raunchy named" variety, badly made. Unhappy bar staff. And doormen and a bar manager who think they're working in a private members in Belgravia, not a bar in Soho. Avoid, there's plenty of choice in the local area.”
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Drew, [ Unknown ] (6 years 1 months 13 days ago)
“Fantastic! Got recommedned by a friend and how pleased was I... The bar is great and the musoc and atmosphere is electric. Great cocktails made by well trained staff. For central London a well priced bar too. Good night was had by all and I will be returning!”
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Dave, [ Unknown ] (6 years 4 months 4 days ago)
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