Located on the historic St Marks Place, Paper Daisy gets its name from the Jack Kerouac poem Pull My Daisy, a copy of which can be found on display in the bathroom.

The name was cited by the bar’s beverage director, Tommy Flynn, as being a homage to the beatniks that once occupied the area.

During our time he also makes further references to Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe, highlighting the heritage of this part of New York.

The brick walls, tin ceiling and dimly lit interior feel stylish and yet the ambience was relaxed and inviting.

I feel as though this bar would be a great place to hunker down on a cold winter’s night.

However, I was visiting on a balmy summer’s night, and if there’s an option to sit outside then I always will.

The outdoor patio area was the perfect spot for people watching, and despite being on a street renowned for its bustling activity, it provided a peaceful oasis.

To start I had Old Thyme Hockey, which was an absolute show stealer for me.

An unusual combination of flavours - such as vermouth, rose, lemon and thyme - it proved to be tart, yet cooling and quite frankly delicious.

My second order was On Wednesday We Wear Pink, a light and refreshing watermelon drink which is apparently a summer favourite.

If a cocktail doesn’t tickle your fancy then the bar also offers a decent selection of draft and bottled beer, as well as wine.

My helpful and attentive waitress advised that the fried oyster sandwich was an absolute must, a hit among the owners and regulars alike.

Served with a generous portion of fries, the jalapeños and oyster mushrooms offered additional flavour and kick.

I also opted for the ricotta flatbread, which was lighter in flavour, topped with honey roasted carrots, orange and chili, but equally appetising.

Both portions were sizable suggesting that most items on the menu were a little more substantial than simply bar snacks.

They also offer a brunch menu on weekends, although be sure to get there early as I was informed brunch can get very busy.

Paper Daisy is a stylish but accessible cocktail bar providing a welcomed respite from the bustling city.

More Information

Paper Daisy is a charming day-to-night cocktail bar where guests can drink and dine al fresco in the sun during the summer months.

The food menu is influenced by the chef’s Middle-Eastern heritage and dominated by different fresh-baked breads such as focaccia, puffed pita and sourdough.

On the weekend, expect DJs playing (vinyl only) until late.

Find out more on the official website.

Emily Clark