228. The Argyll

I don’t think I’ve mentioned any bars that we’ve visited since we been here and in all honesty it’s not the sort of things that belongs in this challenge but this place deserves a mention, not just because of the name, but because it’s one of the coolest bars that I’ve ever been in.

From the street you walk through a set of massive burgundy coach-house style doors that open into a large courtyard with tables, high chairs and outdoor heaters. There are a couple of mobile bars in this area but the main bar is inside. The most fantastic designs have been employed to create a spectacular space that I can only describe as futuro-rustic (my own word!). There are large booths which are of the ilk of two sofas pushed together so you only option is to kick your shoes off and lounge out and relax on the abundance of cushions. There are regular tables and chairs also but they are aesthetically pleasing due to there chunky hand-fashioned nature.

The bar itself is miles long and the graphic stone masonry that faces the customer is beautiful and tactile. The selection of beers is extensive and world wide in its origin and the bar menu is not too bad either.

The unisex toilets are a weird but alluring and the gents urinals make you feel like you are peeing into one half of a 6 foot vertical clam shell.

Apparently there are 4 other floors but since we were there during the day those other areas were closed off. We’ve been sitting outside a bar near by on a Saturday and watched a steadily growing queue form outside the Argyll but we didn’t understand why until now. An awesome looking bar with a great vibe but relaxed attitude, so much so that we’ve decided to have our leaving do there. So if any of you are in the neighbourhood…