The City’s spiciest cocktail bar is back! Hidden in the heart of Devonshire Square, just moments from Liverpool Street, Anise has re-emerged following a top-to-toe transformation complete with a striking new design. Talented Bar Manager, Piyush Gouchwal, has worked closely with world-renowned mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan), and his team at Mr Lyan Studio, on an Indian-inspired cocktail list that perfectly pairs with Chef Vivek Singh’s playful menu of Indian bar bites.
At the heart of the bar’s reinvention is a pioneering cocktail menu that gives equal weight to alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, thoughtfully considered for mindful drinkers. Drawing on Vivek’s direct spice sourcing from India and pairing it with local foraged botanicals, the new list is as innovative as it is flavourful.
Find Piyush mixing, muddling, stirring and shaking creations including the jewel-toned City of Colour (Tanqueray Rangpur Gin, pomegranate liqueur, Anardana-infused vermouth and Aperol); the aromatic Anise Sour (coriander-infused Ketel One Vodka, berries, lime leaf and Three Families Ceylon Sour); and the bold Bankura Punch (Anise bar rum blend, oolong tea cordial, jaggery and spices).
The no-ABV creations are equally as impressive, with a range of complex sips that match their spirited counterparts in terms of depth and excitement, from the herbaceous Saqi Sour (Everleaf Forest & Marine aperitifs with fenugreek, coriander and elderflower) to the vibrant Keralan Sunset (Lyre’s Italian Orange with watermelon, curry leaf and guava).
In signature Cinnamon style, Vivek has reimagined classic snacks with bold Indian twists. The Mumbai chilli cheese toastie reinvents a comfort-food favourite with spice and flair, while standout small plates include chilli shrimp cocktail vol-au-vents, tuna bhel tostadas, Kurkure chicken winglets and a lamb seekh kebab roll, all designed to pack a punch with every bite.
Working with designer Alessio Nardi of A-nrd Design Studio, the refurbished interiors pay homage to Devonshire Square’s history as a spice warehouse, with a warm palette of spice-inspired tones, raw terracotta, and Indian craft details set against elegant green drapes. A dramatic central bar and plush booths create the perfect retreat for after-work cocktails, late-night dates or weekend catchups.
