Review: Bone Idyll

Bone Idyll, a relative newcomer on the Kingston ‘Riviera’, is a gin distillery that offers an antidote to chain restaurants. Thanks to its off-the-beaten-track location, tucked behind John Lewis, the bar has fast become a local secret for those seeking a bit of indie spirit alongside their lovingly crafted gin spirit. And with its gin making paraphernalia taking centre stage, Bone Idyll has a steampunk vibe that adds to the kudos.

Although primarily a gin bar, other spirits are available. Which is why I opted for the vodka-based Strawberry Basil Mule – so drinkable it went down faster than an ice-cold glass of water in the Sahara. My dining companion stayed faithful to the gin premise by ordering The Bramble – blushing pink gin, lemon, sugar and crème de mure – which proved to be another dangerously quaffable cocktail.

To mitigate the risk of rolling out of the bar on empty stomachs, pizza was next on our to-do list. And damned fine pizza it was too. Although there was no paper-thin base to please the purists, my ‘Ziggy Sputnik’ (mozzarella, goat’s cheese, parmesan and gorgonzola) needed a sturdy foundation to support its immense and oozing volumes of cheese. It’s rare that I can eat a whole pizza, but at Bone Idyll, that’s exactly what I did. Meanwhile, my friend reported that her Arty-D (pepperoni and nduja) did not shy away from spice. No better excuse for another boozy beverage.

But there’s even more to Bone Idyll than high style, refreshing cocktails and satisfying pizza. It’s also available for private hire, making it an excellent venue for a birthday knees-up. Even better, the bar transforms into a gin school on Friday and Saturday afternoons, thus providing a pleasure-packed present for the party’s host.

The bar is from the same folk who brought us No 97, One One Four, Cento Uno and Hideaway – and they have a real knack for launching individual places with character. This place is no exception.

Price:

£12 per cocktail (2-for-1 Happy Hour on Wednesdays & Thursdays, 5 to 8pm)

£10 per Pizza

Bone Idyll Distillery & Bar

Water Lane

Kingston KT1 1AE

www.boneidyll.co.uk