Oriel Bar & Bistro in Youghal

Was looking for a well-rated cocktail bar for drinks after a West End show and this place turned up. Couldn’t have been happier. We were able to reserve a table online from 1015pm to 1115pm. The drinks are really ambitious and well made. They’re hard to describe — very different than classic cocktails in most cases. We had six between us and they were all great. (And I suspect the alcohol content is lower than is typical; after three drinks I felt nowhere near as intoxicated as I normally would.) Good live music — a Cuban jazz trio the night we were there. The staff was GREAT! Three of them spent considerable time chatting with us. Highly recommend.

Among the best cocktail bars in the city, an obligatory stop.

Oriole Bar: A Global Cocktail Journey in Covent Garden Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden, Oriole Bar offers a sophisticated escape into a world of vintage charm and global flavors. Its antique decor—complete with dark wood paneling, plush leather seating, and glistening chandeliers—exudes a timeless elegance reminiscent of a classic English speakeasy. The cocktail menu is a true masterpiece, taking guests on a journey across "Old World," "The Orient," and "New World" inspirations. While mezcal-based creations are a delight, the bar’s real triumph lies in its imaginative use of global ingredients, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Adding to the magic is the live jazz music, performed by some of London's finest musicians, providing the perfect backdrop for an evening of indulgence. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or someone seeking a refined night out, Oriole delivers on all counts. A must-visit for those who appreciate exceptional drinks, stunning decor, and live music in one unforgettable package.

Listen, I've seen a Golden Oriel. It's a big deal. A bit of a twitcher prized catch. Something of a rarity, It kind of passed me by when it passed me by on the banks of the Ouze. We happened upon a group of mad twitchers later, hell bent on spotting the thing. When I told them nonchalantly I had seen it, I felt I was going to be stabbed in each eye by sharp pencils. These people were scary. This Oriel is also a rare thing. A restaurant that's also a cocktail bar that's also a Jazz cafe. I'm not sure what the hierarchical order of things are and I also think that's why I like it. It's not the best on any of these but it also works very nicely thank you on them all. The place itself is nestled in one of these spanking new 'courts' that have appeared all over Soho. Ham Court, Court, Kingsley Court, Rathbone Square (a court masquerading as a square). Gleaming evidence of bundles of cash lying around somewhere nowadays. Yes a bit of character has been ironed out and there are fewer places to go for a piss after dark. But there is something seductive about this court. Peace and quiet a few yards away from the madness of Long Acre and Maiden Lane. Nice tiles, swish shops. Sacharine as a nut, thank you very much. The upstairs is OK inasmuch as there's a bar selling cocktails and everything is new. But it's downstairs where the action is. There's a bouncer type up top making sure the riff raff aren't wandering down there. The first hint of the 'speakeasy' vibe they have successfully captured. A charming carved wooden monkey greets us on the staircase down, a sign of the eclecticism to come. Ever so smart parquet flooring and walls covered with silky looking printed materials depicting exotic foliage. It's dark, the ceilings are as low as the lighting. A posh speakeasy. Sophistication and silliness in equal measure. We are guided past a small stage to our table where we immediately order cocktails from the extensive menu. The cocktails are great fun to look at. One has a fluffy white cloud floating above it. Another has a parmesan tuile for an umbrella. Ice cubes won't do. Ice balls it is. Big clear perfect spheres of the cold stuff. Worth the fuss of making them I'm sure. The cocktails all taste extraordinarily alcoholic and in truth a little bit challenging, but that's part of the fun/sophistication thing. We wince as we take sips of each others. A reminder that alcohol is poison, no matter how you dress it up. The food menu is short. Sharing plates that sound elegant and are tidily presented. Polenta with egg yolk and mushroom is rich and silky. Ceviche is clean and fresh. Leeks with some sort of cheese sauce finished with a black powder looks startling and taste good. Pork with chimichurri does the job. Flat iron steak is a little too chewy. Dipping sauce has depth as do the smoked new potatoes. The kitchen may be a little too ambitious but they are showing out like everyone in here and the ambition is welcome. The band appear. Jazzy and a little rough round the edges but two lethal cocktails in, they could wheel in S Club Seven and it would go down a treat. They do wonders for the conviviality levels anyway. As the volume goes up, more cocktails are ordered. We'd be bouncing off the screen printed walls but we're keeping ourselves nice because Oriel is a bit smoother than that. Cocktails, Jazz, sharing plates is a combination that could disappear up its own arse. But with the help of warm relaxed service and stylish kook, Oriel keep it firmly on the fun side. Watch out twitchers. I've got a Big Book in the making here.

Absolutely wonderful experience at the jazz night with dinner. Usually you have to compromise on food quality when dining at a bar but not here! It was faultless. Wonderful atmosphere, great jazz, friendly service and great food. Cocktails were delicious too! Thank you for the incredible evening

A beautiful bar for a special night out

Lovely polite and attentive service from staff, delicious and unusual cocktails. Yummy bar snacks

Went there for a drink with our colleagues in the office We sat on the ground level which is called the upstairs as they have an underground level as well I guess they do live entertainment downstairs Drinks were really nice and the service was very quick Nice place around Covent Garden area

Warm place, amazing cocktails and dishes. Staff experienced and friendly. We had a 3 course menu, portions were satisfying and the food delicious.

Teriyaki de salmón, muy bueno. El personal es muy agradable, el centro de ocio estaba impecable, aparcamiento por encima y por debajo. Es una gran parada para Kerry o City