The UK capital offers the ultimate in luxury libation. From regal ancestral homes, five-star hotels, uber-contemporary hide-outs and theatrical vintage venues with rich histories, tourists and locals alike revel in the many upmarket bars. We have the lowdown on where to go for the very finest champagne, innovative cocktails, unique whisky and much more.
St James Bar at the Sofitel, Westminster
Situated on the corner of Pall Mall and Waterloo Place, St James Bar is tucked into the depths of Sofitel London St James Hotel, giving the bar a luxuriously clandestine feel. Curved plush velvet seating in opulent jewel shades complements brass accents, while a striking marble-topped bar with colourful rows of bottled handmade tinctures, bitters and liqueurs is the room’s centre-piece. The interior design also subtly combines French and English themes to match the hotel’s blend of French and local culture.
The recently launched Imagination menu, the St James Bar team including Bar Manager Kostas Bardas and newly appointed Head Bartender Stanislav Andruskevic have used unique flavours, molecular techniques and sustainable processes to challenge the logical in order to embrace the abstract, and invoke the scientific to create the fantastical.
The K Bar at The Kensington, South Kensington
Located in the heart of South Kensington within The Kensington, this discreet and fabulous cocktail bar oozes elegance with an art deco charm. Think oak panels, polished brass accents, mirrored walls and leather wingback sofas to sink into. This is a venue for both business and leisure and presents the perfect setting for a long evening of catching up with friends. Cocktails range from classics to their new bespoke range curated by the creative bar team with recipes taking inspiration from around Europe. Service is sophisticated and the staff are highly knowledgeable about the drinks on offer. This has fast become one or favourite places to sip on a cocktail or two in the upmarket social scene of South Kensington.
The 40 Elephants at The Great Scotland Yard Hotel, Westminster
Open all day for barista-served coffee through to creative cocktails, local craft beers and ciders, The 40 Elephants, is the social hub at the five-star Great Scotland Yard Hotel. Although somewhat of a hidden-gem the bar attracts both hotel residents and locals (in the know) as a unique place to enjoy London’s social scene. The cocktails take inspiration from the bar’s namesake an all-female London crime gang who operated throughout the 18th to 20th century and were notorious in avoiding police detection. And its bar snack menu takes inspiration from all that is good about London – a diverse fusion of culture and flavours.
This cocktail bar is definitely worth adding to your London bar hit-list.
The Library Bar at The Lanesborough Hotel, Knightsbridge
The vibrant Library Bar is one of the most distinguished destinations for drinks in the capital. Knightsbridge and Belgravia locals adore this ‘museum of spirits’ containing cognacs dating back to before the French revolution. Guests can recline in the regency armchairs, surrounded by traditional wood panelling, oil paintings – and of course, many antique literary works. If you can’t decide between the libations on offer, a canapé cocktail list enables you to sample minis, offering variety without speedy inebriation.
The Bar at the Athenaeum London, Mayfair
Don’t miss this if you’re a whisky lover. The Athenaeum has 160, including its own signature blend along with a menu of inventive cocktails exclusive to the venue and some international collectables. Another draw is the ‘living wall’. Floor to ceiling windows reveals the lush, jungle-like vertical garden, offering environmental benefits, as well as aesthetic ones. Alongside the drinks, you can enjoy bar snacks from the Michelin-starred Galvin brothers and spirit masterclasses featuring exquisite cheese-pairings. The design is contemporary, high-end and sophisticated, befitting of its Mayfair location.
The Fumoir at Claridge’s, Mayfair
Soak in the art deco ambience, as you drink Dom Pérignon champagne and nibble on caviar, lobster tempura and macaroons. The 1920s/1930s glamour is evoked with Lalique mirrors, crystal decanters, dark panelling, shades of aubergine and vintage black and white William Klein photo portraits. Watch as the mixologists work their magic from behind the decadent black marble horseshoe bar. There’s an encapsulating cosiness about the place too and its essence of elegance make it ideal for sophisticated romantic evenings. The Fumoir is apparently Dita Von Teese’s favourite bar in the city.
Library Bar at The Ned, Bank
Another hidden gem but its exclusivity means it’s reserved for members and hotel guests only. Should you be fortunate enough to find yourself on the other side of the Library Bar’s sweeping jacquard curtain, you can order from a menu of 30 champagnes, and a ‘create your own’ martini trolley making blends to order. It has that homely yet sophisticated feel as if you’re relaxing with a beverage in the library of a grand townhouse, in another era. Its Bank location makes it perfect for after-work drinks. Reservations are required.
Seymour’s Parlour at Zetter Townhouse, Marylebone
Wicked Uncle Seymour’s Parlour is the place to spend high days and holidays – parties start here for Valentines, Mardi Gras, St Patrick’s Day and more, with live music and dancing. There are also boisterous monthly events and masterclasses for well-heeled fun-seekers. Order from a ‘magic tonic’ cocktail selection curated by the fictional ‘Seymour’ and based on his international travels. Resembling a stately home, the venue is stylishly cluttered with portraits and antiques, complemented by heavy dark Wedgwood furniture, classic deep red walls, ornate Persian rugs and a feature fireplace.
The Beaufort Bar at The Savoy, Covent Garden
For an opulent night offering theatrical beverages and a fascinating back-story, look no further. The bar itself was once a cabaret stage, hosting the likes of Gershwin, and the show goes on today, as the talented mixologists’ show their creative flair. Sit close by the glowing bar to watch them create drinks with names such as of Light Bulb Moments, The Orchestra, Overture and Showtime. The cocktail menu is categorised into three sections: Music, Drama and Magic, with these themes echoed in the gilt, ornate decor.
Gong at the Shard, London Bridge
For drinks with a view, especially at sunset, it has to be the Shard. Gong is situated on the 52nd floor, making it the highest hotel bar in western Europe. Its name comes from dugong, a traditional Chinese structure of wooden brackets, as featured in the bar. Take a set in one of the three areas: the cocktail bar, champagne bar, or beside the sky pool. The cocktail menu, The Miscellany of Inventions, pays homage to the greatest inventions of all time. And the team have created a must-try unique selection from the Chinese liquor baijiu. With such epic vistas, Gong is often the chosen location for marriage proposals and other special moments.
Dukes Hotel Bar, Mayfair
This has long been a hotspot for martini lovers. The New York Times declared their version of the Bond cocktail: ‘one of the world’s best’. And it has legitimate links with the fictional spy – his creator, Ian Fleming was a frequent patron. The walls are adorned with aristocratic oil paintings, while muted tones of plush fabrics, polished wood and large floral displays create a regal, but relaxed feel. The hotel is tucked away in the salubrious area of St James and serves modern classics, from its antique rosewood trolley. The drinks are strong, and guests are encouraged to linger over them in style.
Read our Dukes Bar Interview piece here
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