This cocktail bar is possibly one of our greatest finds in Amsterdam during recent trips. This bar is located through a single, small, unassuming door, creating an almost speakeasy entrance. Once inside the décor is dark, rich and lustrous, and we were greeted as if old friends as we were shown to a table where we made ourselves comfortable.
Our friendly server, who happened to be from Manchester, introduced us to the menu and their craft, along with some of his personal recommendations. We took some time to explore their impressive menu and after much thought we managed to decide, and we were certainly not disappointed. Our table was positioned overlooking the bar area allowing us to watch on as the staff worked their craft, time was taken on each and every element to deliver each and every cocktail we ordered.
For my first cocktail, I ordered the Snow White, which saw Conspiracy Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka mixed with apple, lemon, Angostura bitters and rose water. This cocktail was refreshing and zesty and a real treat. My partner opted for the Garden of Earthly Delights, which was a blend of Green Chartreuse, pineapple, chilli, turmeric, cinnamon, lemon, mint and parsley. It was an inspired cocktail that combined really complex and interesting flavours.
"This bar is located through a single, small, unassuming door, creating an almost speakeasy entrance."
Up next, I chose the Perfect Martini, which saw Van Wees Three Corner gin with dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, olive and lemon peel to create a wonderful martini cocktail. My partner chose the Willow Grove which saw eucalyptus infused Bacardi with Pistachio Orgeat, lemon, egg white and pistachio oil. This cocktail was wonderfully aromatic.
Finally, I chose the Lodewijk Pallini which saw limoncello, Rutte celery gin, cucumber and celery bitters. This almost savoury cocktail was an absolute delight and certainly a highlight for me. My partner ended her evening with The Stranger which was a blend of Del Maguey Mezcal Vida, Koko Kanu, Ramazotti, vanilla and chilli paint, this was a punchy and strong end to the evening.
Whilst enjoying our cocktails, we also shared one of their chef's sharing boards - titled "From the Land"- which included foie gras mousse, country pâté, ossenworst goose rillettes, cured sausage, olives, cornichons and fresh bread.
If you enjoy well-made, creative cocktails then the House Bar is for you, should you find yourself in Amsterdam.
The Bill: £43 per head
