THE LONDON when past meets present

5 pm. Thursday. Happy Hour. 

My fingers lightly graze the smooth, white, marble bar countertop. Dim lighting. Deep, brown, wood paneling. Gold accents distract the corner of my eye. Subtle, glamorous…my legs cross as I swivel around on the white retro counter stool to order my vodka martini. Whoa, hello bartender. The kind of cute my gay hubby would try to turn. He is the Will to my Grace. 

Over my left shoulder a runway model sings standards with a Norah Jones quality to her voice.

 I sip my martini.

He’s not here yet. My first date since my split with Mr. Forever.

I adjust my black jumper, and tighten my low ponytail.  Glad I didn’t wear jewelry. The décor is the perfect necklace.

As I wait for my date to arrive, I listen to the conversation of the mid 30’s suits to my right talking shop.  I don’t even see their faces. I watch their hands gesticulate over the marble. My eyes zone in on their left hands, ring finger. Curious that’s all. These men remind me of my ex. This would be his spot if he lived in LA. These would be his colleagues. I was his girlfriend. 

I’m a little nervous.  Blind dating feels so forced.  I know I need to stay open. I’m just not really in the mood to ask about his past, future goals and what his favorite color is. I kind of just want to introduce myself, get him in the sack, see if he snores too loud and figure out if we’re a match over bacon and eggs. There I go again, mentioning bacon.

I’m already a little tipsy. I should have eaten more. But between the interior design, the hottie behind the bar, the jazz singing clothes hanger, and good ol’ vodka…my taste buds are pretty satisfied.

This is the kind of place you can come alone and just get lost in the ambiance. It’s a tease to the senses: modern style perfectly blending with all that was right with retro. Contemporary wouldn't be contemporary without its past foundation and this bar pays homage to that. It's like all relationships really. You take pieces of your past with you so that you create a better future.

I take another sip and a deep breath.

“Kit?”

I look up.

“Sorry I’m late. I got stuck in a meeting. It’s so nice to meet you.”

I shake his hand, smile and allow the memories of my ex boyfriend to blend with my present to help create my new aesthetic.

Rating:

 

Gordon Ramsay Restaurant

The London West Hollywood
1020 N San Vicente Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Neighborhood: West Hollywood

(310) 358-7788

www.thelondonwesthollywood.com