Mint
Mint in Streatham was a very pleasing find last Saturday night. Having recently moved into the area we haven’t really had much of a chance to explore as of yet. Poor litt’ Billy’s been gnarling and gnashing indignantly.
Oddly it seems that I’ve discovered one of the best kept secrets in London, or I imagined the entire evening. As the bar fails to make an appearance on beerinthe evening, fluidstyle, viewlondon or any of my usual mainstay sites. But this looks like the only mistake the management have made as everything else is spot on.
We arrvied back from the West End after a day of serious shopping. I always find shopping for glasses or shoes stressful and, having spent hours doing both, I was in the mood for beer, and a lot of it. Thankfully Mint provided.
We popped off the 159 early to see more of our new area; full of high hopes for Streatham High Street (recently voted the worst high street in Europe). We weren’t too dissappointed spying a few places to try out again: Bar 61, Perfect Blend and Chico’s among them.
Mint is simply a nice place with nice people. The staff are attentive, chatty and quick-witted and the customers seem chilled and good-humoured. Even the security carry out their job with inobtrusive efficiency and humour.
We order a steak sandwich. Always a risky venture as you’re never quite sure what will be served up to you. Billy was delighted as the meat came as steak always should; seared, rare and bloody. The large fleshy portobello mushroom and the thin layer of strong cheddar worked a treat.
A moment should also be taken for their cocktails (happy hour from 5 til 7). The aptly named Lychee Love Machine is composed of ground fresh lychees, lemongrass, something else that I’ve entirely forgotten, vodka and topped off with cinnamon bark. It’s an interesting and varied cocktail menu, and not too pricey.
In short, Mint is something Streatham needs; somewhere with good food and service with comfortable surrounds where you can sit, chat and relax.
On a tangent, I’ve read recently that Lambeth council plan to take action against the bar as its shopfront is breaking the conservation order placed on the area. I find this startling as the street is simply ugly: plain and simple. Rows of bookmakers, takeaways and franchise stores do little to add to local character. It would be something of a disgrace if one of the few businesses to add at least something to the appearance of the high street with well-designed and welcoming front was taken to court for its efforts.
Billy:7
Eoin:8
Location: As mentioned above, this bar is impossible to find online so I don’t have an address for it. You’ll find it on Streatham High Road, opposite Streatham Hill station.
