KAMARA Cocktail Bar has opened its doors in Soho! We are excited as this is a unique concept and not just yet another cocktail bar that has opened in Soho. KAMARA is a design-led space and the drinks have been created by Angelos Bafas, who is also behind iconic bars such as Kioku Sake Bar, Nipperkin, and Soma.
Expect handcrafted cocktails built on macerated spirits, house ferments and wild-foraged British produce. These creations are served in custom pottery sourced from independent Cretan artisans, which also plays a role in ageing ingredients.
The Signature Pours
The handcrafted cocktails of KAMARA spring from the striking East Mediterranean palette. The signature cocktails are carefully designed to tell a story through flavour. It’s their art and dedication to authenticity that make each pour special. Expect to indulge in cocktails crafted from signature in-house macerated spirits and artisanal ferments, thoughtfully inspired by the rich Greek heritage.
Some standout cocktails include the Tuvunu Highball, a dream come true for fig-lovers. This cocktail consists of special KAMARA fig brandy, Metaxa 12*, Greek mountain tea, fermented figs in honey, fresh lemon, and 3 Cents fig leaf soda. Another fantastic drink is the Mahleb Gimlet made with Axia mastiha and Tsipouro macerated in Essex-grown cardamom leaf. Mahleb is an incredible aromatic spice used in Middle Eastern and Greek cultures in many culinary spaces. It’s made out of cherry seeds, and used incredibly well-balanced in this great cocktail, making the smell deliciously enticing.
Moreover, the Coffee and Honey Old Fashioned –Michter’s bourbon whiskey, Cretan aged eau de vie, coffee & cacao distillate, British burnt butter, Exmoor honey, aromatic bitters- is a twist on the traditional old-fashioned. One other cocktail is the ‘Smoked Pepper Daisy’ made from Los Siete Misterios Doba-Yej mezcal, single variety tsipouro, smoked boukovo, KAMARA hay smoked tomato spirit, crushed black pepper, basil leaf oil, a masterclass in spice balanced by the herby basil.
KAMARA does not forget the wine lovers; they have a great wine list that focuses on Greek and Lebanese wines. The cocktails are representative of the KAMARA spirit; they are carefully curated with layers of narratives, from the founder’s background to the current heritage.
East-Med Mezzes
Accompanying the thoughtfully curated cocktails, it is impossible to pass on the mezzes. The dishes resemble KAMARA’s philosophy and story with the cocktails, also centring around a bold, refined, and elevated take on East-Med cuisine. The varied mezze menu includes ‘Cod’s roe taramasalata with sumac onion’; ‘Crispy calamari, zhoug aioli, burnt lime & Aleppo chilli’; ‘Greek Feta Sausage, aubergine bayildi, labneh, zhoug’; and ‘Fried chicken, muhammara, Greek graviera’.
An Atmosphere by Finch
Created by Finch Studio, this space is inspired by the raw, natural textures and inviting warm hues characteristic of the Eastern Mediterranean region. Visitors can anticipate a rich palette of earthy tones that evoke landscapes and sun-drenched coastlines, complemented by authentic Cretan pottery pieces that bring a touch of traditional craftsmanship into the design. The lighting is moody and elegant with a lot of nooks and crannies. This really is a perfect date night spot.
The bronze accents and detailing enhance the overall aesthetic, adding a hint of elegance and timeless charm. Throughout the space, high-specification features are thoughtfully integrated, ensuring a modern and comfortable experience while maintaining the authentic Mediterranean ambience. One of the most striking design elements is the ceiling, which is crafted to resemble a cave, enveloping the room. This unique combination of natural textures, traditional motifs, and contemporary amenities results in a space that is both visually captivating and richly immersive, completely in alignment with KAMARA’s spirit in their culinary menu.
Jordan is looking after us for the night, helpfully and patiently answering our many questions about the drinks on the menu, the provenance of the ingredients and the sustainability behind the bar. All the people working here are relaxed and exude a quiet expertise – it’s nice, and makes you want to come back again and again. With such a central Soho location, rotating drinks specials and effortless vibes all around, KAMARA is also looked after by the expert eye of Alfredo Varese and his vast experience in London’s bar scene.
KAMARA in a nutshell
Since 2016, Tasos Gaitanos and Alex Large have shown dedication and passion in creating atmospheres that centre around the pleasures of food, beverages, laughter and conversation. Their extensive care, from the smallest material conditions to flavour profiles, sets them apart from many other hospitality spaces. KAMARA is for those who enjoy an atmosphere that has a story behind it, a curated experience where the spirit of East Mediterranean culture arises in the Soho Bar scene.
To discover more, visit: KAMARA
View this post on Instagram
All imagery courtesy of KAMARA / Holly Farrier.