The Blacksmith Bar

The Blacksmith Bar brings a strong sense of place to Swan Street in Richmond. The venue occupies 69 Swan Street, a building whose original structure dates to 1924, when it operated as McNaughton’s Ironmongers. That history remains visible on the facade and has shaped the venue’s identity, from its name and antique-inspired prohibition-era styling to the staff uniforms and drinks list.

The ground floor has undergone a substantial renovation, creating the venue’s main bar with a mix of eclectic finishes, updated technology and plenty of individual character. Rather than treating the building’s past as background decoration, The Blacksmith uses it as the foundation for the overall experience. The result is a bar that connects its Richmond setting with the story of the Swan Street address.

Drinks are the focus, with a deliberately pared-back cocktail menu that revisits classic styles in a straightforward way. For a more hands-on visit, the venue also runs cocktail masterclasses outside its usual trading hours, giving groups exclusive use of the space for around two hours. Participants learn cocktail-making techniques and prepare a Sexy Pants and a Mojito, with a palate-cleansing cocktail on arrival and a Pimm’s Cup included. Roaming canapés are served during the class, and a non-alcoholic mocktail option is available for guests who do not drink.

The masterclasses are designed for groups of 10 to 30 people, with larger bookings possible by arrangement. They suit team-building sessions, staff celebrations, birthdays, engagement parties and hens or bucks parties, with start times available between 1pm and 3pm. Decorations can be brought in subject to venue restrictions, including no open flames, glitter, confetti or attachments to painted surfaces. For a group occasion centred on cocktails, The Blacksmith offers more than a bar booking: it provides a structured, interactive experience in a venue with a clearly defined history and style.