The Best New Bars In London
From 'underground' speakeasy-style dens to progressive cocktail bars from leading mixologists behind some of the World’s 50 Best Bars, here are the spots we’ll be drinking in.
An intimate cocktail bar and terrace at The Berkeley Hotel. The elegant interiors are by Irish designer Bryan O’Sullivan, and features panelling from a 300-year-old walnut tree, enhanced with carved plasterwork and a colour palette of soft corals, creams and pinks. Repeat Brutalist-inspired arch forms that run through the space referencing the home of the Grenadiers, an infantry regiment of the British Army whose stables were originally located on the Wilton Place grounds where the hotel was built. Glass doors lead out onto an intimate terrace with tables that overlook the neighbouring St Paul’s church. The cocktail list features classic and modern drinks (such as the Sazerac and the Corpse Reviver) alongside a small menu - think Cornish crab and lobster beignets and camembert chicken tulips. Open Monday to Saturday, 4pm - 1am.
A 19th century-style cocktail den and lounge situated below Momo's from multi award-winning bartender Erik Lorincz. Kwãnt sits in the basement space of the African Mediterranean fusion restaurant. The bar is a joint venture by Lorincz and Momo owner Mourad Mazouz – the man also behind the two-Michelin starred Sketch. The 19th century-style bar and lounge is the first solo venture from Erik, a multi award-winning bartender who helped bring The Savoy’s American Bar to the number one spot at The World’s 50 Best Bar Awards in 2017. The venue’s subtly tropical décor, created by French-American interior designer Bambi Sloan, is “reminiscent of an eccentric gentleman’s drawing room”, delightfully furnished with light-coloured Chesterfield sofas and wooden panelling. Expect “pared back yet innovative” drinks and a selection of rare and vintage spirits and Champagne from Erik’s personal collection, formed over many years.
Bringing the energy of ‘the New York night’ to London with a heady mix of crafted cocktails, live music and DJs. Located downstairs from Sette - at the Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge. This 'underground’ destination bar is named after the neighbourhood in NYC, and comes complete with a late-night-New-York vibe. Begin with early evening cocktails and lite bites, and watch the space transition to a feel good after hours hangout - with peach and turquoise sofas and booths and eclectic artwork lining the walls. The well-made, well-crafted cocktails are each named after a legendary song and can be washed down with a short menu of small bites such as samosas with sundried tomatoes and smoked mozzarella and tuna cones with avocado and marinated red onion. Expect live music (Wednesday to Saturday) and DJ’s playing 60’s rock, 70’s soul, and 90’s hip-hop.
Double Standard at The Standard
The Standard hotel’s ground floor bar, with a menu inspired by traditional pub classics and NYC dive bar food, serving craft beers and cocktails late into the night. This beautiful design comes from long-standing Standard collaborator Shawn Hausman. Heavy-set wooden doors, textured glass and TfL-inspired upholstery encapsulate the cosy feeling of a British local, whilst pastel tiled flooring, rounded soft pink shelving and an exposed felt ceiling create a modern and playful vibe. The convivial space (next to their all-day restaurant Isla - sets the scene for a menu inspired by traditional pub classics and NYC dive bar food - perfect for sharing (or soaking up a few pints). The stand-alone bar serves craft beers, wine and classic cocktails alongside Adam Rawson’s menu running late into the night.
Tayér & Elementary
The opening follows Monica Berg's work with the award-winning Himkok in Oslo and comes three years after Alex Kratena left the four-time winner of The World’s 50 Best Bars, Artesian Bar at the Langham Hotel. The site on Old Street in East London is the redevelopment of an old post office comprising three spaces: two bars - Elementary and Tayēr - and a creative studio called Outthink. Elementary, which is visible from the street through floor-to-ceiling windows, opens up into a more casual space with ingredient-led seasonal cocktails served from taps whereas Tayēr is more abstract, indefinable space - and houses a U-shaped counter bar and a daily changing menu of cocktails. Foodwise - Tā Tā Eatery are dishing up an innovative menu of sharing plates - with a strong Asian accent. The name is inspired by the Mandarin words for “he” and “she” and their menus nod towards the culinary traditions of their native China and Portugal, with a playful take on giri and tacos, as well as cult-favourite, the Katsu Sandwich – a toast sandwich of deep-fried, slow-cooked Iberico pork neck served and Asian slaw.
