Death and Taxes

Inspired by the underground bars of London and Paris, Death and Taxes encourages guests to forget the outside world.

The interior is defined by warm lighting, a high-set bar with a tiled front, and a line of sumptuous leather booths. The space transitions neatly from the open front room to a wood-lined, heritage-listed back area with its 100-year-old floors; here it feels less a bar and more like an opulent art gallery. The classy flourishes extend to the exterior, with large lion door knockers and couple of murals adorning the brick walls that act as an entryway from the main lane.

Death and Taxes is the latest bar from Martin Lange, who through various partnerships has been involved in some of the best boltholes in town (and indeed on the east coast), including Cobbler and Savile Row. Before that, there was the much-loved, long-closed Sling Bar in West End, which Lange co-owned with Blake Ward.

It’s Ward who he’s back collaborating with on Death and Taxes. Wiebke Lange (Martin’s wife) is a third partner, while long-term Lange lieutenant Sam Tripet manages the venue and has a small stake in the business.

For booze, more than 600 bottles line a four-metre-tall back bar. The 30-drink-strong cocktail list includes the Dr. Know-All, with Tanqueray gin, snow pea, vanilla and peppermint crème, shaken with egg whites; the Huntsman – and old-fashioned style mix of Singleton 12 scotch whisky, manzanilla, Benedictine and apple caramel; or a sunnier Sleeping Giant, with pamper Anejo rum, pineapple and coconut curd, Pedro Ximenez and Branca Menta. There are also 40 bottles of wine, including a bunch of dessert vinos.

There’s no food menu, but Death and Taxes shares Cobbler’s approach – BYO grub is accepted and even encouraged.