Lively City bar-restaurant known for bottomless brunch, strong cocktails, and upbeat service; great for groups and celebrations, less ideal for quiet meals.
The Drift delivers solid execution as a cocktail-led brunch venue with attentive service and prime City location appeal, but quality variation—particularly during peak and holiday periods—prevents a higher grade. The modern, buzzy atmosphere excels for celebrations and group outings, though the lively energy and occasional food inconsistencies reflect a venue optimized for drinks and social occasions rather than culinary distinction.
Set in the base of a City skyscraper, The Drift feels sleek and buzzy—a place where cocktails lead and the room hums with after-work chatter and weekend celebrations. Recent diners praise attentive servers who keep glasses topped up, with one noting, "they looked after us and surprised our table for a celebration." Expect lively energy that can edge toward nightclub vibes at peak times. The cooking leans modern comfort with global accents—bao buns, katsu fries, mezze—backing a cocktail-first experience rather than chasing culinary theatrics. The culinary approach leans contemporary and crowd-pleasing: fresh fish and brunch plates draw the most consistent praise, while a few older holiday-season menus drew criticism. If you come for brunch and cocktails, you are squarely in the sweet spot. Families will find some friendly dishes—burgers, fish finger sandwiches, and fries—but the overall vibe trends adult. Reviews explicitly caution that kids may feel out of place during party-style brunch times. If visiting with children, target quieter off-peak hours and stick to familiar plates from the burgers and sides list.
Area vibe: Busy financial district with after-work crowd; weekdays lively, weekends event-driven brunch traffic.
Safety: Well-lit, high footfall corporate area; generally safe with strong building security presence.
What's nearby: Located in 110 Bishopsgate near Liverpool Street and Pan Pacific hotel; close to major offices and transport hubs.