LOCATED just a stone’s throw from Covent Garden lies the iconic NoMad London – a World’s 50 Best Hotel.
Taking residence inside the grade II listed building known as The Bow Street Magistrates’ Court, the hotel is renowned for its sparkling suites and dining venues – including Side Hustle, its lively bar.
Set within the walls of the former Police station, the award-winning bar calls upon flavours and spices from Latin America to provide an eclectic, playful cocktail program. Now, more than ever, people are ushering in the New Year with Dry January.
But Side Hustle has taken this into account. Having just released a new selection of alcohol-free cocktails for this season, Glass went to sample the bar’s non-alcoholic cocktail menu.
Interior of NoMad’s Side Hustle Bar
Opting to collaborate with Three Spirit for the range of beverages, it’s clear upon entering the bar that we’re in good hands. Three Spirit utilise a range of complex processes such as maceration, fermentation, distillation and osmosis in order to create the most luxurious alcohol-free plant-based spirit alternatives.
To start, I decided to try N/A Manhattan – a favourite amongst visitors to the bar. Made up of Three Spirit Nightcap, Amarena cherry, cold brew, maple and verjus, I was immediately impressed with the perfect elixir.
Side Hustle Manhattan
Another standout included the El Diablito, which consists of ginger, hibiscus, lime and London essence club soda.
For those concerned about the lack of alcohol, the flavour and fullness of the drink make up for its absence. The ginger provides a gentle warmth which mixes beautifully with the hibiscus and lime to create a playful, fresh beverage.
Side Hustle El Diablito
After enjoying our first drinks whilst absorbing the bar’s classy surroundings, we moved on to our next drinks – a Smoked Apple and an Agua Fresca Roja. The Smoked Apple was particularly intriguing and definitely one to try.
Calling upon its Latin American influences, the drink was made up of Three Spirit Social Elixir, chipotle meco, green apple and also Idyll wild apple soda. The name of this cocktail is certainly not to be overlooked. The smokiness of the chipotle meco meets the freshness of the apple soda for a delightfully refreshing result.
Our final drink, the Agua Fresca Roja, was another hit. With Three Spirit Livener, hibiscus, chai, Greek yoghurt and orange, it’s clear that the bar team have put endless thought and care into their new cocktail classics.
Side Hustle Agua Fresca Roja
For those taking part in Dry January and wanting to treat themselves to top-quality drinks, look no further than Side Hustle. With the non-alcoholic cocktails costing £11 each, the bar is a must-visit for your next central London night out.
by Sophie Richardson