Located within the walls of Victoria Station’s former first-class lounge, Réunion Bar is a space with both history and purpose. Once reserved for passengers of the Brighton Belle — Britain’s first all-electric Pullman train — it has now evolved into a modern cocktail bar with a clear culinary direction. In August, it relaunched its food and drink menu, introducing a refined yet accessible take on station-side hospitality.
The relaunch of the Réunion Bar is both a nod to the past and a step forward, bringing together references to British rail history with a menu that reflects contemporary London tastes. Elevated small plates, a signature cocktail lineup, and a curated gin selection sourced within 50 miles of the bar all contribute to a concept that is considered, confident, and well-executed.
A Practical Yet Elevated Food Offering
The new Trackside Dumplings and Snack Trolley menu is built around shareability and variety. It suits solo travellers looking for a light bite, as well as small groups after something more substantial. Highlights include Spicy Beef Sui Mai, Wild Mushroom Arancini, and Salt & Pepper Squid — each plated beautifully when presented in front of us. Dishes like Gochujang Popcorn Chicken and a bright Superfood Salad round out the offering, adding balance and breadth to the Réunion Bar.
While the space is not a restaurant in the traditional sense, the menu offers enough range to justify a visit for food alone. The format — snacks, dim sum-style plates, and small dishes — makes sense in this context. It’s efficient, unfussy, and thoughtfully aligned with the bar’s setting inside a transport hub.
Signature Cocktails With a Clear Identity
Drinks are where Réunion Bar makes the strongest impression. The new Signature Cocktail selection includes drinks that are both technically sound and creatively constructed. The Piña Bianca is a stand-out—creamy, tropical, and well-balanced without leaning too sweet. The Champagne Orchard is lighter, fruit-forward, and crisp.
For something more experimental, the Popcorn Noir blends tequila, coffee liqueur, espresso, and a house-made popcorn syrup. It’s unusual, but works. Other options include a Cognac Negroni Sour, and the Golden Elixir, which uses Silent Pool gin, Passoã, and a spiced beetroot element to add depth.
There’s also a concise but well-structured mocktail list under the Dry Departures section, the Réunion Bar mocktail selection. Ingredients like coconut cream, lychee purée, and spiced mango ensure that non-alcoholic options are given the same attention as the rest of the menu.
Absinthe and Regional Gin
A notable addition to the drinks menu is the Absinthe Express. It includes traditional French absinthe served via a classic fountain, as well as a few modern cocktails designed to make the most of the spirit’s distinct profile. It’s an unexpected but well-integrated feature, adding a point of difference without feeling gimmicky.
Meanwhile, the Grand Gin Tour showcases 12 gins, each sourced from within 50 miles of the bar. It’s a smart way to localise the menu and tap into London’s strong craft distilling scene. Paired with Fever-Tree mixers and appropriate garnishes, the tasting menu gives guests a curated entry point into regional gin.
Atmosphere and Service
Réunion retains the architectural features and quiet elegance of its past. Soft lighting, velvet seating, and the original first-class lounge layout give the space a sense of occasion without feeling overly formal. Service at the Réunion Bar is efficient and relaxed — aligned with the needs of both hotel guests and walk-in visitors from the station concourse.
Operating Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm to midnight, the bar feels designed for both ends of the day: post-work drinks, pre-theatre cocktails, or simply a comfortable place to wait between meetings or trains.
A Well-Executed Update
The latest iteration of Réunion Bar doesn’t try to overstate its offering. Instead, it focuses on getting the basics right — well-made cocktails, shareable plates, and a setting that reflects its unique location. While its railway heritage is clearly part of the narrative, the bar doesn’t rely on nostalgia. It’s functional and polished, with just enough personality to make it worth seeking out — whether or not you’re passing through Victoria.
The Réunion Bar at the Clermont Hotel is open Tuesdays to Saturdays. Visit https://www.theclermont.co.uk/victoria/restaurant-bars/reunion-bar/ to view the menu or make a booking.
