There were a couple of threads about London bars several months back, so I hope this is not too redundant, but I'm for an update since I will be visiting London with my family over the holidays. My brother, who recently turned 21, has taken a passionate interest in cocktails (my good influence), so we're hoping to dedicate several nights to great London cocktails bars--classics and new hot spots alike. And please feel free to pimp your own bar, but expect me to come asking after you when I can't get in (or even when I can)!
Thanks
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca,
Bank Restaurant and Zander Bar in Westminster. Its down the road from Buckingham palace and is one of the longest bars in Europe.
A well balanced mix of cocktails are fresh and since most of the regular Clientelle are heading off on holiday you can probably get the whole bar for yourself over the holiday season but I'd recommend making a reservation for the Fine Restaurant.
I am the bar manager there so just ask for me, and if I'm not on site I'll be leaving you in capable hands.
Why the long face?
I can recomend you one of the newest. It is not mine but a very good friend and excolleague is running it.It is named SEZERAC.96-98 Pentonville Road,London,N1 9JB.
It nice and laid back with a lot of contemporary and classic. Hope you find it satisfactory for your taste.
Probably next time you plan a trip and come to Budapest and visit my bar. ( www.boutiqbar.hu )
Regards z.
And of course good London bar recommendations would be a welcome addition to our "Guide" here:
http://chanticleersociety.org/Guide/default.aspx
:->
Robert Hess: And of course good London bar recommendations would be a welcome addition to our "Guide" here: http://chanticleersociety.org/Guide/default.aspx :->
Yes! I did look there first, so I will add my encouragement to post your suggestions there.
Meanwhile, David, I really appreciate your suggestion and I will be asking after you at Zander Bar. I'm glad to hear that we'll beat the crowds--I was worried the whole city would be packed over the holidays. I'll look into reservations at Bank, as well.
I couldn't find any additional information on Sezerac (Sazerac?) on the web, so thanks for posting the address, Zoltan. I'll have to look into it further when we get to London. As for Budapest? I've never been, though it's on my short list--and now I have another reason to plan a trip!
Thanks for your recommendations. I'm definitely open to further suggestions and I will try to write up some reviews of the bars we do get to for the Guide section of the site--to get that ball rolling!
Zoltan, Sazerac is a fantastic new addition to London's scene. I've only been there once but I enjoyed immensely.
I do have to say one of London's classic destinations will have to be Lab in Soho. So many of Londons great bartenders moved through there.
One of my more recent favourites is The London Cocktail Club. Its technically a Members club (for licensing purposes but all you need to do is go online and register before you go. JJ Goodman has trained up a wicked bar team.
Also theres 69 Colebrooke row, It is the new Venue from Tony C (international bartender of the year at Tales.) The Hype is HUGE around this place but it is worth the visit.
Trailer Happiness in Notting hill... ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS a winner. while youre there, pop in at the Portebello star with Jake Burger where you can try a crusta with original Bokers Bitters.
Dusk, LAB, townhouse and the lightbar at st martins lane hotel are all good, special reserve for trailer happiness though.
I'm overdue a london visit....
http://howtomixdrinksandinfluencepeople.blogspot.co.uk/
Hix -- opened a couple of months ago, bar in the basement. Wonderful adaptions of 19th century drinks, plus classics and some deft originals.
www.hixsoho.co.uk66 Brewer Street
Here's a rundown of some London bars (mostly Tiki -- big surprise!) that I checked out during the U.K. Rumfest:
http://www.beachbumberry.com/2009/12/14/britiki/
Thank you everyone for your excellent recommendations! Sounds like Trailer Happiness and Lab are musts, but I'm going to map things out and try to hit several of the recommended bars between Christmas and New Years. I'll try to report back promptly.
Thanks again!
And if some of those London chaps would submit some of these wonderful London bars to the "Guide", then you wouldn't have to map them out, since the guide will automatically do that for you! :->
The loft in clapham is a good haunt too :)