Traffic Bar

I thought traffic is cooler then it actually is. I always drive by with the 55 when getting home from work.

That evening we had a meeting in the Holborn area. We were looking for a place to go after work. I remember walking in and soon out again. This place gets alive after 6pm but not before. I talked to a friendly waiter, suggesting coming for after hour drinks which they expanded from 5pm to 8pm.

The prices are quite extortionate, but I believe lots of media people and city workers enjoy this club atmosphere, the newly decorated interior by a London designer and the extensive list of cocktails. Personally I believe this is a typical posh city bar which you find a couple in London. The average age is 27+. It is not arty nor does it has a warm feel to it.

But I believe it is good for after work business drinks as it looks professional. There is a lounge which can be booked for company events. But please do not organise your birthday there!

Traffic is a new modern looking restaurant/ bar, where I recently went to have a bite to eat. I have to say that the food was fantastic, served and presented like an art piece. I had a kleftiko, which is a lamb dish. My mum often cooks it and does a better one, but this was good, and only a tena!

With great a décor a lighting. Set over two floors, you can have a nice traditional Meze, or choose from an array of Greek Cypriot dishes, which do come a tad on the small side, or just have a drink, I saw a few people just sitting with cocktails or just having a desert. This is a lovely place, and not expensive at all. A place well worth going. And it is nice to actually go to a Greek restaurant that isn't names after the owner.

In the evenings it does get quite packed and comes alive, so if you are looking for a meal and quieter circumstances, go during the day.

I'm always impressed with bar staff who manage to keep their cool during office Xmas parties and serve everyone super speedily. We had a private room in Traffic for our Xmas party this year. From what I can remember of the food, it was well presented (although the parsnips with my Xmas roast were a tad too undercooked for me). I'd love to go back to enjoy the incredibly rich chocolate pudding without having downed copious amounts of alcohol beforehand.


Back to our friendly bar-man - not only did he provide a plethora of mixed orders at high speed, he also chatted pleasantly and gave us all some free house shots at the end of the evening - which in anyone's books is above and beyond the call of duty when you've been dealing with an office party.

I've heard a lot of bad reviews from people about traffic, but it definitely exceeded my expectations. when we first went in, it was really quiet and quite empty and i was worried that it would be like this all night. but as the night flowed, the music got louder and the beats got better and it was definitely looking up. the drinks are not very expensive, the drinks menu is very long and could never be boring! towards the end of the night, i was really having a great time. the bar staff are so friendly and super efficient and it gets really lively and fun so if it isn't so great early, hold out for a bit longer!