‘I’ve found London’s perfect hidden gem cocktail bar with a very special theme’

There are no shortage of cocktail bars in London so when you find one as special as Hidden Society, make sure you book a table

As the long, hot days of summer finally draw to a close and are replaced with autumnal evenings, the quest for a tiny space in a beer garden is now a hunt to find the cosiest spots to catch up with friends.

And what better way to spend an evening than looking at some of the most beautiful art ever created – well, looking at it in a cocktail bar with an extensive menu entirely inspired by some of the greatest pieces ever created.

A true hidden gem in the heart of London, Hidden Society, offers an experience with a difference. Tucked away on Goodge Street in Fitzrovia, the atmospheric cocktail bar opened last January with a very specific theme in mind.

The bar, which is all about conversation and having a relaxed evening, has developed a drinks menu with art right at its heart.

From the stunning Birth of Venus cocktail, made from El Tequileno tequila, Saint James rum, passionfruit, vanilla, melon, Dijon mustard and clarified milk, inspired by Botticelli’s masterpiece, to drinks inspired by Realism and Surrealism, this is a very carefully curated menu, designed by people who REALLY know what they’re doing.

Now, the team have introduced a wonderful new selection of drinks, inspired by legendary Australian artist, Bob Ross, described as a “translating the experience of a painting into something that can be tasted”.

Mario Hernandez, general manager and creator of the Happy Accidents menu, explained: “Bob Ross showed that creativity doesn’t need to be rigid or perfect. We took the recurring elements of his landscapes and considered how each one might taste. Sky, Mountain, Forest, Lake and Sunset are individual expressions but together they make one complete scene.”

The Happy Accidents menu is made up of five glorious drinks. First up is Sky, made from Crystal head vodka, Fenjiu Baijiu, Suze, chrysanthemum and honey cordial and citrus soda, is described as “light, floral and expansive”, you can imagine soaring above a glorious landscape as you drink

Mountain is made from Kay Sake, Ojo de Dios Mezcal, Pine Liqueur, Prosecco, Yuzu Sorbet, and is described as “bright, crisp and textured”. Not only is this more than a drink – it doubles as a delicious dessert with a generous helping of sorbet, it perfectly captures the pine covered rise up a mountain with a snowy peak at the top. Each sip is delectably different, as the sorbet melts turning it from a tart and refreshing drink into a slightly sweeter mellow taste as you finish.

Next up is the Forest cocktail made from Mijenta Reposado Tequila, Skinos Mastiha Liqueur, Rosemary, Ginger, Dr Hostetter’s Bitter, which is described as “deep, aromatic and alive”. Calm walks through sun dappled woodland instantly spring to mind as you sip on this divine concotion.

The Lake cocktail was my personal favourite. Made from Crystal Head Vodka, Beesou Honey Aperitif, Edwards Elderflower Liqueur, Chamomile, Orange Bitters and really does feel like like swimming in a crystal clear lake – on your tongue.