Refined Evenings in Shepherd’s Bush
Nestled in Dorsett Shepherds Bush London at Shepherd’s Bush lies a gem that doesn’t play by the rules of Mayfair maximalism or East London irreverence. Instead, it plays a quiet host to two of the area’s hidden treasures unique to the West: JIN and The Spice Gallery.
As we set foot at Dorsett Shepherds Bush London, we were welcomed by the lovely and smiling Ms. Rojika, who was in charge of us for the evening. She led us to the Jin Bar to start our night with drinks.
Tucked within a strikingly modern hotel atrium, The JIN bar offers a refined yet relaxed ambience that blends contemporary elegance with tropical charm. The soaring ceilings are framed by curved wooden balconies and vertical slats, creating a warm, architectural cocoon that balances grandeur with intimacy. Plush armchairs in muted green and mustard tones line the seating area, inviting guests to unwind in comfort and style.
The bar is a vibrant focal point, featuring a backlit front panel adorned with lush tropical leaf patterns in greens, yellows, and soft pinks, complemented by potted plants that enhance the botanical atmosphere. Behind the bar, a mirrored wall and neatly arranged bottles add a sophisticated polish, while soft lighting creates a welcoming glow. This seamless fusion of natural textures, bold design, and upscale comfort makes the bar a standout destination for casual drinks and elegant evening gatherings or a romantic date night for two. The overall decor of the bar transported me to a Wong Kar-wai frame that doesn’t border on pastiche.
The lovely bartender/waiter, Jaswanth, approached us with the drinks menu. The wine menu at the Dorsett Shepherds Bush London is structured by category, sparkling, white, red, and rosé, emphasising versatility over depth. Sparkling options include two Champagnes and a handful of Proseccos, starting at £9 for a 125ml glass. White wines cover the expected bases: Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Chardonnay from Chile, and a Pinot Grigio from Italy, mostly hovering around the £9–£12 per glass range.
Red selections skew classic and accessible, featuring a Merlot, Malbec, Rioja, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with bottle prices topping out at £46. Rosé is minimal, with just two entries: a Côtes de Provence and a Pays d’Oc. The focus here is on recognisable regions and safe choices, appealing to a wide range of palates without venturing into anything niche or experimental.
The cocktail list is divided into four sections: Classic, Spirits & Champagne, Gin, Martini, and a modest mocktail offering. The Classic section sticks to staples like the Negroni, Old Fashioned, and Whiskey Sour, all priced uniformly at £13, with only the Sidecar pushing to £14. Spirit & Champagne cocktails are a touch more dressed-up, featuring drinks like the French 75 and Kir Royale, ranging from £13 to £17.
The Gin section plays with botanicals but stays within a safe zone, Tom Collins, Clover Club, and a few citrus-leaning combinations. Martini variations are conventional, including a French Martini and Espresso Martini, again priced at £13. The “Best of British” nod is light and mostly thematic, adding minimal differentiation.
Mocktails are understated, mostly fruit-driven with soda water bases, and uniformly priced at £10. Overall, the list is curated to please without challenging expectations.
Alongside the drinks menu was the bar food menu. The bar food menu at the Dorsett Shepherds Bush London leans into comfort and familiarity, structured around small plates, burgers, and bar snacks with a few vegetarian and gluten-free nods. Small plates range from tandoori salmon and satay skewers to tempura avocado and tikka chicken, priced between £10–£12. Burgers are limited to duck and plum, crispy chicken satay, and a bacon-chilli cheese beef burger, anchored at £18–£20, each with standard inclusions like pickles and brioche buns. Sides are minimal and classic: mac & cheese, chips, and a seasonal salad, with nothing over £5. Nibbles are an afterthought: Love Corn in two flavours, peanuts, and three types of olives priced at £3.5–£4. The menu is geared toward complementary pickings to pair with the drinks.
To match the theme of the classically curated atmosphere, we opted for the Classic Merlot and Sauvignon White, which was impeccably served to us with olives. For food, we chose the Satay Skewers from the small plates section. The dish included grilled chicken breast with peanut sauce, homemade pickled slaw, and fresh ginger. The portion size was moderate, appropriate for sharing between two people as a light accompaniment to drinks. The combination offered a straightforward balance between the wine selections and the mild spice and sweetness of the satay.
As we savoured the ambience, we were enveloped in a sense of calm and polished relaxation. The space, with its low seating, neutral tones, and a steady ambient hum, was carefully composed to create an atmosphere of understated refinement. The service, while attentive, was discreet, respecting our privacy and adding to the overall sense of comfort and well-being.
The Spice Gallery
We were sequestered at the Spice Gallery across from the JIN Bar at Dorsett Shepherds Bush London for dinner. The dining space at The Spice Gallery has functional precision modular tables, soft velvet chairs in alternating green and mustard, and a polished wood floor that keeps the mood neutral. Overhead, the exposed industrial ceiling contrasts with soft lighting and skylights, allowing natural light to define the room during the day and settle into polished intimacy as the night sky takes over. Again, the ambience made me feel like I was dining in a scene from Wong Kar-wai’s film “In the Mood For Love.”
The Spice Gallery’s menu is structured to cater to a wide range of preferences, with an emphasis on recognisable formats and global influences, specifically Asian flavours. The Small Plates section offers protein-forward dishes like tandoori salmon, chicken tikka, and satay skewers alongside vegetarian options such as beetroot hummus and grilled asparagus, mostly priced between £6 and £12. Salads are minimal, with three core options allowing basic customisation via added proteins like satay chicken or salmon.
The Mains & Classic section leans heavily on comfort dishes with international touches. Korean pork belly with BBQ glaze, battered seabass with tartar sauce, and masala tofu-stuffed aubergine provide the plant-based option. Steaks are listed separately under “Signature Steaks,” offering ribeye and fillet cuts with optional add-on sauces such as peppercorn or chimichurri for £2.
Bao and burger choices are limited to three; all served with a side: duck and golden plum, crispy chicken satay, and a bacon and chilli cheeseburger. Side plates follow the standard formula: mac and cheese, seasonal salad, chips, and poker choi, with no deviation from expected pairings. Sweets are concise: passionfruit cheesecake, chocolate fondant, and a standard ice cream and sorbet option.
For starters, we chose the Honey Hot Wings. Our starter delivered a precise balance between sweetness and heat. The glaze leaned into a mild chilli warmth, offset by the honey, which added depth without making the dish overly sweet. The batter was crisp and well-seasoned, holding up against the sauce without becoming soggy and adding the two drizzled sauces, one tangy, the other creamy, added contrast, bringing in a subtle acidity and richness that rounded out the flavour. The chicken was moist, and the seasoning carried through to the meat. The presentation was precise but unfussy. The portion size was suitable for sharing between two people as a starter.
For our mains, we ordered the Korean Pork Belly, as suggested, and the Tandoori makhani, which matched the Asian-inspired atmosphere.
The Korean pork belly was presented over a smooth layer of mashed sweet potato with a well-rendered glaze that added clarity and contrast. The bok choy was lightly cooked, providing a necessary bitter element to offset the mash’s sweetness and the pork’s richness. The meat was tender with crisp edges, and the overall flavour held balance across sweet, salty, and umami notes.
The Tandoori makhani arrived in a wide-rimmed bowl with crisp papadum folded over the top and a deep red sauce pooling around the chicken. The sauce was thick, lightly spiced, and carried a measured smokiness from the tandoori preparation. The chicken remained moist beneath the coating, with a visible char that added texture. The side of rice was unseasoned but worked as a base to hold the sauce. The presentation was practical, allowing the colour and structure of the dish to speak without overwhelming embellishment.
With each bite of our mains, we grew more impressed. I had asked who was the chef responsible for this lovely experience; it was meticulously prepared by Chef Georgi Vasileu at Dorsett Shepherds Bush London.
We finished our meal satisfied with both the food and the overall experience. Service was steady and unobtrusive, with staff maintaining a consistent pace throughout. Questions were answered directly, and requests were met without delay. The space remained calm even as more tables filled, with no disruption to the service flow. The kitchen’s attention to timing and balance was evident across all courses. Portions were measured, flavour controlled, and presentation aligned with the restaurant’s tone. The experience reflected a clear internal structure, from the menu to the execution, and the staff upheld that standard throughout.
The JIN Bar at Dorsett Shepherds Bush London
We were offered dessert at the end of the meal, but chose instead to return to the JIN Bar for cocktails. The transition was smooth, with the staff accommodating the change without issue. The shift in setting allowed us to continue the evening without interruption, easily moving from dining to drinks.
We were welcomed by another bartender/server, Rishabh, who smiled and was attentive. Since we felt a bit stuffed from dinner, we opted to have a kick of caffeine.
The espresso martini was served with a firm crema and three coffee beans for garnish. The flavour was balanced, with a clear coffee note supported by a measured sweetness and a clean vodka finish. The texture was consistent, without separation. The white Russian was poured over ice, with the cream floating neatly above the spirit. The layers held, and the coffee liqueur came through first, followed by the cream’s smooth, cooling finish. Both drinks were served promptly and aligned with standard proportions. The presentation matched the tone of the bar, structured and composed.
The overall experience at Dorsett Shepherds Bush London JIN Bar and The Spice Gallery was consistent from start to finish. Service was steady across both settings, with staff maintaining attentiveness without excess formality. Each section of the evening moved without friction, from drinks to dinner and back again, with timing, tone, and coordination handled efficiently. The food showed clarity in execution, with flavour combinations that leaned on familiarity while staying within the framework of the concept. The bar maintained its pace even as the evening progressed, and staff remained responsive.
The interiors play a key role in shaping the experience. At JIN Bar, the mix of tropical detailing, plush velvet seating, and ambient lighting is considered without being overdesigned. The Spice Gallery continues this balance with a neutral-toned palette, industrial ceilings, and velvet chairs that mirror the bar’s tone while functioning as a standalone dining environment. The decor across both settings supports the venue’s identity.
The JIN Bar and The Spice Gallery at Dorsett Shepherds Bush London operate with a clear sense of purpose. Each space is distinct but aligned, offering a dining and drinking experience that values structure, balance, and polish. For those looking for a considered evening out with friends or a date night in West London, both are worth a visit.
