Hollywood Cocktails
124 Walton St
(01865) 511 668 As you come to the end of the Jericho “bar crawl”
from the north of Oxford into the centre of town, you are likely
to decide to omit one new addition to the scene from your
drinking schedule, on the basis of its unpromising exterior.
Hollywood Cocktails is situated on the corner of Little Clarendon
Street, opposite the more aesthetically pleasing peppermint green
façade of Raouls, and seems to promise a pretty seedy
experience. Maybe, however, this is simply a result of the
permanent dirtiness of its windows: bar owners take note: these
things do get noticed. I strongly advise that you give Hollywood Cocktails a closer,
more penetrating look and venture inside. This bar is a welcome
new addition to the Jericho bar scene, providing an oasis of calm
and a sense of groundedness amidst the sometimes overwhelming
atmosphere of those more fashionable and well-known jericho bars.
It plays vintage ‘30s and ‘40s jazz and boasts a
collection of posters of film noir & classic stars alongside
the standard huge mirrors & luxury leather seating. Hollywood Cocktails is run by a couple who decided to take the
ethos for their new venture from their favourite cocktail recipe
book, and it has certainly paid off – there is a unusual and
wide selection of dinks, including non-alcoholic versions of old
favourites – ones to try include the cinammon daquiri and
the raspberry tart. Snacks and table service are also available. Part of the charm of Holywood cocktails is the fact that it is
as yet relatively undiscovered, so it will be well worth a visit
before it becomes (as it is bound to do) more popular. The only
down side is the lack of outdoor seating, but come the winter
this will matter less. Above all, Hollywood Cocktails has
something different to offer, cocktails with a twist, and should
definitely be visited at least once.ARCHIVE: 6th week TT 2004
DRINK: Hollywood Cocktails
