19:20
your comments review this restaurant
You have to work hard to stay at the cutting edge in London's trendy Clerkenwell - 19:20 makes most of the right noises but doesn't quite cut it. For one thing, it's too relaxing.
Split into two levels divided by a rather flashy staircase, the upper level hosts several pool tables - sort of like a slightly upmarket Elbow Room. Downstairs is given over to a huge sea of small square seats and padded booths, which made me think I was in a toddlers' play area (albeit one with alcohol), to the point where I almost felt guilty for not having taken my shoes off.
The cocktail list is imaginative, but the drinks themselves are a bit light on the booze and, at £6.50 a pop, any attempt to get drunk on them would be a bit of a wallet wallop.
Nice place, but given 19:20's position in london's style-bar central, there's always the danger that you'll get distracted by somewhere more exciting on your way there.
Comment on this reader review
Mike Hopkin
Monday, March 31, 2003
