The space previously hosted the hotel bar, but is undergoing a complete renovation to be run as a new bar altogether, managed under Hilton with its own specialist team. The space is currently closed for four weeks, but will open as TwoRuba on 2 September after the site has undergone a £500K renovation.
The bar is located by Tower Bridge on Bankside, and aims to be a relaxed venue that also has a ‘twist of glamour’. It is marketed at professionals who can visit after work, and also intends to appeal to locals. TwoRuba will be open from 7am until 2am from Monday to Friday, and from 10am until 1am on Saturdays and Sundays.
Regency-inspired décor
TwoRuda’s redesign is described as ‘luxurious’ and ‘Regency-inspired’, reflecting that of a private member’s club. However it is also intended to reflect the local area. The bar also features an area known as the Snug, which is a separate and more intimate area set aside for group of up to 20 people.
Throughout the rest of the bar the seating is more informal, with a collection of different sofas, both high-backed and scoop chairs, and island seating, with the intent to create a number of different social areas which can be used for leisure or work.
There is a chocolate and grey colour scheme and the bar also features pendant lighting and oversized bulbs hanging down.
Food and drink
TwoRuba is being marketed as an all-day dining venue, with a number of its dishes being inspired by the local area and the nearby Borough Market, with the bar also using local suppliers for its produce.
It has a focus on sharing platters and smaller dishes for grazing, which are down on the menu as ‘Elements’. Choices of small plates include pulled pork sliders with chili apple slaw, flash fried king prawns with garlic yuzu emulsion, and chorizo focaccia with aioli.
As the local area is also known for gin brewing, TwoRuba will offer a large choice of independent London and Bermondsey Dry Gin cocktails, alongside Champagne cocktails and spirits.
The management team at TwoRuba said: “Spanning the divide between the traditional City of London and the more relaxed, creative Bermondsey, TwoRuba Bar seeks to unite the two, enticing professionals, hipsters, local residents and visitors alike. Whether it’s for a mid-morning coffee with friends, a working lunch or post-work drinks and nibbles, TwoRuba Bar is a relaxed yet stylish venue to relax and enjoy the very best of London.”