Cocktail Bar Review (2): TWICE SHY -- London

If you haven't tasted enough bitterness in your life, here's my recommendation: the Pasilla & Chocolate cocktail at Twice Shy—one of the UK's Top 50 Bars, tucked away in London.

Twice Shy is the younger sister of Amaro, the well-known, old-money-feel bar also located in South Kensington. The two aren’t far apart, but given the way my feet were performing after days of relentless walking, I gave up the dream of visiting both and opted for just Twice Shy.

The name of the bar reminded me of the globally famous K-pop girl group TWICE. They have a hit song, Cheer Up, known for the iconic line: 'Shy Shy Shy.' Probably not related, but the thought entertained me—and possibly added to my intrigue.

It’s not hard to find, but you could still miss it. The bar sits at the junction of a few alleys, like many of London’s hidden gems. A very small bar (typical of the city), with about 30 seats upstairs.

In late April, the sun doesn’t set until well into the evening in the UK. I arrived around 7 p.m., with natural light still slipping through the clouds. Inside, there was one bartender, a solo customer at the bar, and a couple sitting close together in the back.

The upstairs lounge has a moody, cave-like aesthetic—dark tones, dim table lights—perfect for “situationships,” if you catch my drift. You’ll understand once you visit.

My Cocktail Ritual:

Whenever I go to a cocktail bar, my ritual is simple:

1. Try the signature drink.

2. Try something unexpected.

Looking through the menu, I first settled on the Jasmine & Whisky. As someone from East Asia, I’m naturally drawn to jasmine cold brew, and I was curious how it would blend with whisky and a smoky twist.

Jasmine & Whisky

Ingredients: Whisky, Jasmine Cold Brew, Apple Cider Vinegar, Bubbles

This drink is incredibly bubbly—with the apple cider notes hitting first, followed by the fragrance of jasmine. It ends with a slightly astringent finish, likely due to the cold brew steeping a bit too long. The whisky’s smokiness appears right at the end—not overpowering, more like a light tickle on the tongue.

However, a minor flaw: the pre-chilled glass defrosted quickly, and so did the ice. The result? A slightly watered-down drink if you don’t sip it fast enough.

Tip for light drinkers:

Don’t be fooled by its soda-like taste. It’s deceptively strong—stronger than your average cocktail—and can sneak up on you if you’re not careful.

Pasilla & Chocolate

(Then came my unexpected pick)

Ingredients: Gin, Pasilla Distillate, Chocolate Bitters, Campari, Punt e Mes

Let me be blunt: if you don’t like Aperol Spritz, I’d strongly caution you before ordering this one. As I’ve said in many of my reviews, I consider myself a “professional taster,” someone who tries things beyond personal preference—to represent different tastes and perspectives.

But this one? This was a challenge.

The overwhelming bitterness—especially from the chocolate bitters—made it difficult to taste anything else. No chocolate, no warmth. Just bitterness. It reminded me of liquid Chinese medicine. And that’s the only comparison I’m willing to make.

My expression must’ve said it all because the bartender, who had recommended it in response to my “give me a contrast” request, noticed immediately and kindly offered me a taster of something else.

Kiwi & Pears (Tasting Sample)

This one had a mouthfeel very similar to the Jasmine & Whisky—light, effervescent—but the roasted pear notes really stood out. It gave the pear some real presence. I didn’t go on to order it, though. It felt too similar to the Jasmine & Whisky in experience, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish my "medicine" (the Pasilla) if I added another to the bill.

A warm reminder to all readers:

Drink responsibly—not just for your health, but for your wallet. So chug whatever you ordered (if you can), and commit to the choices you make.