Side Hustle sits within the original Bow Street police station, and guests can look out of the same façade some of London’s coppers did for decades. Much of this history has influenced its style, and inside it has been designed to resemble a traditional British pub-meets-brasserie, albeit with some nods to NoMad’s US roots and the bar’s Latin inspiration.

There are plenty of talking points for guests as they settle down in the forest-green booth seating or perch at the marble-topped bar. Six separate artists’ works were commissioned for the space, chief among them documentary photographer Martin Parr. LA streets and landscapes and a mixed bag of cassette tapes – NWA, Oasis, the Beatles – add to the feel of what Side Hustle is: intimate, yet lively. Opposite the bar is the Royal Opera House, and curtains are always drawn at a specific angle to optimise the best view of the building for guests.

Drinks here are based on the bar’s reimagining of classic tequila cocktails, with rotating menus designed around seasonality as the venue celebrates both agave spirits and the flavours of Latin America. Staff work in teams on intensive research and development for new drinks, presenting ideas back to management before a final list is signed off. Aside from these new creations, guests can also expect a strong representation of NoMad classics from across previous and current sites. Large format cocktails for groups of four to six are where the playful side of the team really shines, often adorned with plastic figures, skulls or birds, an upside-down bottle of rosé or flashing lights. Cocktails are always well presented, often in bespoke glassware, with garnishes prepared daily alongside fresh juices.

The menu itself is worth noting – the covers are handmade by Globe-Trotter, and the images within, created by Mexican street artist Joaquin Nava, all have their own story. This artwork is dotted throughout the space, including on the baking paper used in the kitchen.

The space naturally lends itself to an intimate feel, with plenty of secluded seating options, though Side Hustle does reach high-energy levels when busy, especially as it allows standing. Latin American music is most commonly heard, though 90s R&B and hip hop are played too. Regardless of when guests visit, the team is welcoming and friendly, and always happy to give thoughtful recommendations.

Behind the scenes, preparation is meticulous. Two staff work prep shifts each day, ensuring all syrups and infusions are ready, and the team holds a “Line Up” before each service, which every member attends. During these sessions, the shift ahead is discussed, praise is given to anyone who has done well, and there’s a focus on a new element of training.

Side Hustle aims to work with suppliers connected to B Corp companies, and tries to minimise the use of glass, plastic and packaging – 75% of their beer kegs are reusable and collected via bicycle on a weekly basis. There is a glass crusher in-house, and every day the bar breaks down all used glass bottles to make recycling easier.

The team’s commitment to inclusion runs through the business too. Onboarding material has been reviewed by the executive team to ensure comfort and equity across race, gender, sex, class and sexual orientation, reflecting a wider culture where no assumptions are made about how a guest or colleague identifies.