Bringing the exoticism of India to Soho, Zenna attempts to add some spice – quite literally – to the cocktail bar scene.
Underneath a chic Indian restaurant (The Red Fort), the basement bar has elements of Asian influence combined with a contemporary London look. Black and white pictures, delicate candles and floating flowers set an intimate mood. Azure blue walls, gleaming tiles and the sleek bar covered in silver discs add a modern twist to the otherwise basic bar, with a few carefully placed alcoves for seating.
The refreshing variations of classics such as the coriander and lychee daiquiri or the pineapple and sage mojito smell divine and taste fresh with well-balanced sweet and sour flavours. However the star of the menu has to be the Iliana cocktail, dubbed as the world’s spiciest cocktail. It may seem like a gimmick, but once you’ve signed the contract (essentially a disclaimer), and watched the extravagant scientific show that is the preparation, you begin to take it seriously. And it is spicy, really spicy, and without the gin cooler it’s served with, most will find it too difficult to finish.
The bar food in Zenna is lots of delicious, well cooked meat kebabs, vegetables and fish dishes. The platter is a good sharing option, and all of the spices are intense and powerful, but they complement the cocktails well, particularly the chocolate orange martini which itself contains the kick of fresh chilli.
If you like proper Indian cuisine, as well as exciting new cocktails, then Zenna effectively fuses the best of both to create a range of delectable cocktails in the heart of Soho.
