There’s not a lot to see but you won’t want to leave
Bar Glue at Anchor Courtyard(Image: christopher megrath)
A charming cocktail bar has gained national recognition as one of the best in the UK. Tucked away out of site at the Royal Albert Dock’s Anchor Courtyard, many will be familiar with its previous name – Burnt Milk Hotel.
The bar’s original founders passed ownership to hospitality aficionados Mike Bower and Nathan Price who made it their own, renaming the venue Bar Glue.
I’m familiar with its popularity but I was yet to make a visit until recently. In both iterations, the venue’s reputation was effortlessly cool, indie and relaxed.
The Top 50 Cocktail Bars ranked Bar Glue 38th in its national list, solidifying its reputation further. The industry praise and local legacy left me with no other option than to finally pay the bar a visit.
I decided to stop by on a beautifully hot day just begging for a cocktail to be ordered. Admittedly, I wasn’t entirely sure where the bar was located as I was only familiar with Mexican restaurant Madre dominating Anchor Courtyard.
However, sure enough, tucked away to the left is Bar Glue refusing to steal the spotlight from its neighbours. You may never spot it if not explicitly on the lookout.
I expected a somewhat worn out venue, purposely focused on a rustic, dishevelled aesthetic presumed entirely on Polaroid photos I’ve seen online. However, the interiors were chic and minimal, with not a hair out of place.
Exposed brick walls wrap the perimeter with a blinding white back bar and island the only pops of colour. The seats wouldn’t be out of place in a Scand-home show room.
Bar Glue at Anchor Courtyard(Image: christopher megrath)
There’s very little to discuss when it comes to decoration but its the atmosphere and cocktails people praise Bar Glue for, not its image. My group and I stole the corner booth seats to chat and people watch in privacy.
Before I knew it, the bartender, who I believe was owner Mike, sauntered over with three menus and glasses of water. After a gentle greeting, he left us alone to flick through the offers.
The menu is bespoke and limited, focusing on the ingredients and craft rather than porn stars martinis and cheeky Vimtos. I’m sure they could whip up whatever you asked anyway.
We chatted and enjoyed the atmosphere while searching for something to drink. Despite the sunny warm weather outside, Bar Glue was perfectly conditioned without feeling cold. If you don’t mind the burn, the Anchor Courtyard is a bright, spacious suntrap.
A few moments passed and our bartender came to collect our drinks – but I was still undecided. I asked for something fruity and he – clearly an expert in his field – whizzed through the menu’s top contenders and why they should be considered. In the end, I was swayed by his description of the parc monceau – a watermelon number.
Bar Glue at Royal Albert Dock(Image: christopher megrath)
A friend’s drink was accompanied by boba pearls to be consumed between sips, further instilling the expert touch running through the menu. We sat back and relaxed, thoroughly impressed with every aspect of the bar.
The venue was cosy and cool, not trying to do too much for the sake of attracting customers. The bartender was a master at work and knew how to impress without sounding pompous. The drinks were also served pretty, strong and tasty.
Bar Glue is the hidden gem sitting in plain sight. I can’t believe its take so long for me to visit. Thankfully, that has changed and I fully intend to return as soon as I can.