Bar’co, Wind Street, Swansea
Wind, or rather Wine, Street originally earn’t its name in anticipation
of a new, cultured quarter of Swansea being developed to lead down to the more
upmarket Marina. A European avenue of chic bistros and sophisticated bars instead
quickly became chain-pub-crawling heaven for binge drinking blokes and babes
alike. A Saturday night in full swing more likely to see a vomiting hen party
than a good Vodka Martini. Lately, however, things have been changing. This
is soon apparent after stepping into the cool, comfortable surroundings of
former bank, Bar’co. In the light, airy room chocolate brown leather
sofas are well spaced between high tables and bar stools. A long, wooden bar
made from the bank’s original counter stretches along the left wall where
a girl in a black Chinese dress mixes Ritz Fizz cocktails with aplomb. Couples
and small groups of friends chatter. The pints of Stella were suitably cold,
bubbly and refreshing. The champagne cocktails simple yet superb with ample
kick. The funky house playing in the background ambient rather than in-your-face.
Bar’co used to be the no smoking bar known as The Lounge, however finding
that Swansea still likes to light up it has rethought. Now it is an establishment
for the high end Pitcher & Piano clientele bored of chains. A DJ bar with
polish where you can impress a date or take your best mate.
Read all the reviews in the current issue of RedHanded.
OK. So we like a drink? What's wrong with that?
