Tucked away in the heart of Soho, Kamara Bar is the latest venture from the team behind Brother Marcus, and it’s quietly making waves in London’s cocktail scene. Located on the site of the former Blind Pig bar, the team have partnered with bar developer Angelos Bafas, who’s had a pretty impressive run with the Kricket bar Soma and the bars at Endo Kazutoshi’s restaurants, Kioku bar and Nipperkin. When a bar promises Greek-influenced cocktails and house-made ferments stored in traditional amphorae, well, that’s more than enough to pique my interest.
Kamara Bar Soho: The Interior and Atmosphere
The bar itself is an absolute stunner. Climbing the stairs into Kamara Bar feels like stepping into a modern-day Athenian hideaway rather than London’s Soho—rich terracotta walls envelop the space, whilst plush velvet seating in deep rust tones creates an intimate, almost sultry atmosphere. The lighting is pitch-perfect: warm and inviting without being oppressively dark. But it’s the impressive collection of Greek pottery lining the shelves that truly captures your attention. These aren’t merely decorative pieces; they’re actively used to house the mixes and ferments that form the backbone of Kamara’s inventive cocktail programme, ably complemented by a selection of Brother Marcus-inspired small plates—a clever nod to ancient traditions reimagined for the modern bar.
There’s something of a speakeasy sensibility about the place, though thankfully without any of the tired gimmickry that can plague such establishments. The vibe strikes that elusive balance between sophisticated and welcoming. The friendly atmosphere extends to the team at Kamara. Before our visit, I’d been told the staff were knowledgeable, and we certainly put that to the test—they enhanced our experience immeasurably whilst remaining attentive without being overbearing.
When to Visit Kamara Bar
We visited midweek, early evening, and already there was a good crowd in. Kamara Bar opens from 5pm to 11.30pm during the week and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays (closed Sundays).
Kamara Bar Cocktail Menu: Greek-Inspired Drinks
We settled in and perused the cocktail menu. To kick off our visit at Kamara Bar, we chose two cocktails from the signature list. My companion for the evening, Leigh (my wife, she was so looking forward to this), opted for the APRICOT “CHAMPAGNE”—Lemnos muscat wine, sundried British apricot nectar, a blend of dry fortified wines, and apricot kernels. The tasting notes described it as bubbly, marzipany, and light, which proved spot on.
For me, it had to be the gin-based PICKLED SMASH, containing Hendrick’s gin, Norfolk-grown shiso leaves, “toursi” pickled cucumber, grated horseradish, basil leaves, and fresh mint. The tasting notes promised fresh, herbal, and refreshing—and it delivered in spades.
Next up, we moved onto the seasonal specials menu, and after much discussion with our ever-helpful waiter, Leigh decided on the YOGHURT COSMO (aka Yosmo)—Kamara blackberry spirit, “arctic” sloe gin, Greek yoghurt, caramelised beetroot spirit, raspberry vinegar, and grape molasses. Described as fruity, clean, and velvety, we were both intrigued by the inclusion of Greek yoghurt; it didn’t disappoint. Their description was spot on.
Because of the inclusion of Metaxa Greek brandy, which brings back memories of trips to Greece, I had to try the TUVUNU HIGHBALL—Kamara fig brandy, Metaxa 12*, Greek mountain tea, fermented figs in honey, fresh lemon, and 3 Cents fig leaf soda. The tasting notes were spot on again: refreshing, mellow, and long.
I should mention there are 14 cocktails on the menu at Kamara Bar, and not a Piña Colada in sight—thankfully. Also on offer is a small selection of Greek wines, beers, and ciders. The menu is compact, but because of the innovative blending of flavours, there’s more than enough choice for all tastes.
Food at Kamara Bar: Brother Marcus Small Plates
Onto the food menu. As I mentioned earlier, the selection of small plates is taken from Brother Marcus’s menu of dips and mezze, which is obviously a good thing and works brilliantly with the Greek-influenced cocktails at Kamara Bar. The small plate menu which also includes desserts provides the perfect accompaniment to Kamara’s aromatic cocktail range.
We managed to keep our choice of food down to two dishes: a smoked aubergine baba ghanoush with harissa oil, served with the freshest and tastiest fluffy pitta bread, and fried chicken with muhammara and Greek graviera. Muhammara—made from walnuts, peppers, and pomegranate—was savoury and smoky yet with a hint of sweetness. It was a first for both of us, and it paired beautifully with the fried chicken. I hope to bring you a full review of eating at Brother Marcus soon. It’s on my list, and after the two exceptional dishes at Kamara, I can’t wait to visit.
The Kamara Bar Experience
Back to Kamara and the overall experience. The music adds energy without overwhelming conversation, and the layout—with its mix of banquette seating and intimate tables—feels both cosy and considered. It’s the sort of place where you could easily settle in for the evening, or pop in before or after dinner at one of the many restaurants nearby in Soho. I think that’s the point of it—it’s a comfortable place to while away time, however short or long. A lot of the credit for that goes to the team at Kamara Bar, whose passion for hospitality is so evident.
Where to Find Kamara Bar
Kamara Bar 58 Poland Street, Soho, London W1F 7NR Website
