tl/dr: THIS PLACE SLAPS AND IT DESERVES ALL THE SUCCESS
Are you looking for absinthe? Pizza? Vegan sh*t? A perfectly strange, slightly nerdy, 80s-rock fueled night that is both classy and completely metal? Or are you just looking for a good time? If you answered yes to any of the above, GO TO CROQUE MONSIEUR.
My friends and I enjoyed a cozy atmosphere and some of the very best service we have experienced in London. They do absinthe right (I assume, as an absinthe amateur) with a variety of flavors that cater to your particular taste (I had a very anise-y yet quite delicious Vieux Pontalier). If you're a first timer or a frequent drinker of absinthe, Croque Monsieur will meet your needs, especially through the attentive service of co-owner Alex (is that his name?). They also serve the charcoal black pizza and dough bites available at Lost Boys Pizza--the Jack Skellington special pizza was particularly mouthwatering, with a pumpkin purée base that confused our mouths in the best way possible.
I can't stress how special this experience was. My only advice would be to bring a small group of friends rather than a party of fifty--the bar is in a small basement room that feels more like the living room of your favorite kooky vampire professor than an actual bar, though this honestly fits perfectly with the overall vibe. But yeah...GO. I know my friends and I will all be back soon. read more