If there’s something London isn’t lacking, it’s a cocktail bar. They’re everywhere and Martinis and Cosmopolitans are now being mixed all around the city despite the credit crunch. Some are cheap, some are extremely expensive. Some of them are just right. Obviously, it’s not necessarily easy to tell those that are worth the money. This informative article talks about the Goldilocks of cocktail bars through the entire capital, without having to venture into a scary looking members club or swanky hotel bar.
1. Bourne and Hollingsworth – Rathbone Place
This tiny little slip of a location is just a newsagent to the naked eye. But when you spy the sneaky stairs, you’re treated to a stunning 30s bar and some excellent cocktails. The £7.50 Sebastian Martini wins points if you are the most divine – passion fruit, vodka and champagne because ever important martini glass. (Cocktails always taste better in a martini glass, don’t you think?) Think flapper dresses and feathers and you’ve got the appearance just right.
2. Bob Bob Ricard – Upper James Street
This new haunt is taking trendy Soho by storm. It’s a breakfast bar, a diner and cocktail bar all rolled into one. How very U S of A. Press a dinky little button at portable drinks bar your table to order more champagne (very nice touch) or have one of the charming waitresses bring you a rhubarb gin and tonic. It’s not cheap though. Drinks are about a tenner. It’s worthwhile; you’re investing in style here.
3. Fluid – Charterhouse Street
Cocktails AND arcade games? Yes please! Throw in some sushi and this can be a fantastic little find in Clerkenwell. With favourites like Space Invaders and Pacman on the old school arcade machines, you’ll have a great time getting touching your inner child. They play great music and do a mean Polish martini. I’m more of a fan of their long drinks, but when you actually actually want to, you’ll have yourself a Wasbabi Martini. It’s a pricey night out though – most cocktails are £7-8.
4. Lab Bar – Old Compton Street
This is certainly one of the most popular cocktail bars in London and its obvious why. The cocktail list is gigantic. You’d be very hungover if you tried to work your path through it. It’s not the least expensive cocktail bar – the drinks will be about £8 each, but the mixologists are some of the greatest available and if you can’t decide what you need, you are able to always encourage them to whip up something new. Having your own personal signature cocktail is pretty cool y’know.
5. Freud – Shaftesbury Avenue.
Freud is extremely cool little place. It’s not just a bar with an immense cocktail menu, it’s also an art gallery. There’s always something interesting going on here. You’ll meet some very cool types here as well. Artists, writers and philosophy students mostly. The cocktails are mostly novelty, but it’s that’s your thing then you’ll really like this quirky little bar. Expect to pay around £6 for your tipple.
