B and H Buildings feels like a timeless house that borrowed pieces from Laurel Canyon, the Hamptons, the Cotswolds and Aix en Provence, then added a touch of aristocratic Jamaica. Many people know it as Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings, a restaurant inside a 19th-century building in Clerkenwell, London. It looks like a manor house and a country house at once, and it ranks among my favourite places for a slow evening.
Discovering B and H Buildings A Sunny Oasis of Key West Charm and Greenhouse Elegance
Our hotel sat a 10-minute taxi ride away, and the taxi driver worried he did not know the street, yet we arrived at B and H Buildings without trouble. A genial host welcomed us into the whitewashed interior, where the dining room splits into a greenhouse-style space and an underground meeting room feel. A curvy concrete bar ties both halves together, and wicker banquettes fill the café area.
We chose the sunroom, where hanging plants, full grown trees and trailing creepers wrap around a fireplace and give B and H Buildings a Key West mood. Wrought iron garden chairs and club chairs in tropical fabrics set a garden party tone that feels cozy. Comfort greets you at the door, and the large open sunny bar lets the sun pour in, so the whole place feels creative without trying.
This creative space also has private rooms and a photography studio, and teams book them for smaller bookings or full exclusive hire. One room holds a custom-made dining table, a wood dining table that works whole for big groups or splits into four separate tables. May wakes the townhouse after a sleepy winter, as two bank holidays refresh our social lives and Design Week fills the streets with art and design.
Cocktails / Cocktail Menu
The team behind Reverend JW Simpson, Blitz Party, Prohibition and B&H Bar built this cocktail menu, and the originality shows. They call the place a creative hub, so a drink before a business meeting makes sense here. Cocktails are their pet subject, and the real purpose of it all comes up in those late talks after closing time.
The bar staff spend endless hours on research, and they have watched trends come and go, from classic cocktails to twists on classics and flavours of the month. Each glass is a bit of alchemy, where 2 plus 2 equalling 5 and the sum of its parts feels bigger than the ingredients. A great one turns potent and pretty, brings happiness and stays culturally significant, and even a philosopher would agree that without it we might lack the novels of F Scott Fitzgerald.
I ordered the Slings & Arrows, which mixes rhubarb gin, ginger liqueur, Cocchi Americano vermouth and Kamm & Sons. That botanical blend holds 45 ingredients, including herbs, spices, fruits, berries, nuts, peels, barks, roots, leaves and flowers, and the recipe stays a family secret. My friend picked the Chimps Tea, made with Monkey Shoulder whiskey, a peach liqueur from France, Earl Grey Syrup and lemon, and we both found it restorative before Round 2.
Space, Interior & Atmosphere (Private Rooms / Bar / Greenhouse)
The atmosphere stays relaxed but lively. We sat under whirring ceiling fans and listened to eclectic background tracks, happy in the energetic surroundings. The greenhouse, the photography studio and the private rooms each bring a different mood inside the same building.
Every Monday, Below & Hidden turns into a zen, vibey yoga heaven. The Hatha yoga class welcomes all abilities and levels and works well for unwinding after work. A ticket costs £15, includes a post-workout drink, and the after-work session starts at 6.45pm.
On Tuesdays, the basement hosts drawing. The link between art and hospitality runs deep, since Bacon and Picasso once sketched on napkins in return for food and drink. A gifted and eminent artist guides you with a pencil, paper and your hand, and the live model poses in front of you, so the evening brings real creative satisfaction.
Live Fridays and Modern British Dining
Live Fridays turn the secret club room into a B&H House Party. A live band plays from 6pm, guests order after-work cocktails and street food, and dancing runs late into the night. Every Friday feels like a fresh party.
Chef Antony Horn designed a modern British menu of traditional brasserie fare. We began with mixed salads, including a Caesar with Baby Gem lettuce and chargrilled veggies with Chickpea Tabouleh and a roast pepper dressing. Then we tried the Chicken Liver Parfait with chutney and sourdough rounds, a fun take on a starter for anyone who loves liver patés.
Comfort Entrees and Fine Drinks
Our entrees leaned into comfort food, with a slow-cooked Red Wine Beef that tastes close to Coq au Vin and a Northern Indian Curry with Basmati rice. The dessert list of puddings offers just 5 choices, and we chose the Iced Clementine Mousse and a Lemon Meringue Pie with poached cranberries. The bar holds an exhaustive range of spirits, beers and fine wines, so we ended with a house coffee digestif with tequila that the barman brought to our table, and other guests often order after dinner drinks too.
B and H Buildings Elm Craftsmanship
The makers of the table at B and H Buildings found a 4m slab of lightly pipped British elm, enough to seat 14 guests. They had to hide the joins between the split pieces, because live edge wood shows every break and they wanted the grain to run on smoothly. Since it is through and through wood, they also kept each section fixed together with ease for bigger dining parties.
The British elm held natural holes and cracks, so they filled them with metal resin to complement the unique interior of B and H Buildings. They hand planed the top and kept the finish simple to show off the raw natural beauty of the wood. The result looks honest and warm.
FAQs
What is B and H Buildings and where is it located?
B and H Buildings (Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings) is a multi-space venue located in Clerkenwell, London, featuring a restaurant, bar, cocktail lounge, courtyard, and private event spaces.
What kind of food and drink options are available?
The venue serves modern British dining alongside a wide range of signature cocktails, wine, and warm-weather or weekend brunch menus.
Do I need to make a reservation in advance?
While walk-ins are welcomed when space permits, booking in advance is highly recommended especially for weekend brunch, dinner service, or private group dining.
Is the venue suitable for hosting private events or weddings?
Yes, the venue offers several distinct areas, including a greenhouse dining room and private rooms, that can be booked for celebrations, private dinners, and corporate events.
How can I get to B and H Buildings using public transport?
B and H Buildings is a short walk from Farringdon Station (Elizabeth Line, Thameslink, and Underground) as well as Angel Station, making it easily accessible across London.
