The Churchill Bar and Terrace
The Churchill Bar and Terrace serves an interesting set of classic and craft cocktails. Situated at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, the bar highlights the Churchill family’s rich heritage. Indulge in cocktail recipes showcasing British legacy and fine wines from prestigious maisons and artisanal producers. Adding to the cocktails and spirits is a delectable food menu, with dishes such as scotch quail’s eggs, Cuban sandwich, fried plantains and huevo habanero.
Must try
Specially created in honour of the Winkle Club, which was formed in 1900 to help the underprivileged, The Winkle drink is a mix of Pusser’s Rum Gunpowdered, chai syrup, lime and apple juice and Earl Grey tea.
thechurchillbar.co.uk
Amaranto Bar
Amaranto Bar at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is a sophisticated bar, headed by Ivan Arena. Here you can enjoy cocktails with a twist along with light bites. Don’t forget to check out their extensive wine list as well. The striking red interiors are sure to catch your attention.
Must try
Enjoy the signature Negroni Trolley Experience, which takes this iconic cocktail and tweaks it into something more unique and modern. Pick one of the 14 gins from the Negroni Trolley and infuse it with Campari and the bar’s special blend of six different vermouths. The drink is said to take you on a journey from Florence, the birthplace of the cocktail, to the British capital.
fourseasons.com/london
The Bar
The Bar at The Dorchester exudes an electric vibe, and is a central meeting place for travellers who seek high-profile socialising in the city. Overseen by Giuliano Morandin, this bar is popular for sourcing the finest range of spirits and wines from small, independent distilleries to established names. The menu features recipes by legendary mixologist, Harry Craddock, a pioneer in the craft of British cocktail making and the original head bartender at The Dorchester, when the bar opened in the 1930s. The Bar is also known for reintroducing forgotten spirits like the Old Tom Gin.
Must try
The timeless Martinez cocktail is highly recommended. The drink uses a special recipe made on commission by Old Tom Gin exclusively for the hotel. Punt e Mes, maraschino and Boker’s Bitters are the other ingredients added to this cocktail.
dorchestercollection.com
The Hansom
Located in St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London, this spanking new bar combines modern aesthetics with neo-gothic architecture, thereby staying true to the Victorian roots of the hotel. The bar is done in marble with brass and leather products, complemented by chic furnishing. On the menu, are thoughtfully crafted cocktails such as Angel and Bragget Alehouse Flip dedicated to The Alehouse Act and The Beerhouse Act passed in the early 1800s; Livingstone’s Boatswain that pays homage to David Livingstone, the celebrated Victorian explorer and Mr. Cratchit’s Yuletide Punch inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Must try
Served over an ice sphere, The V&A Gold Fashioned is made with Chivas Regal 18 gold signature, Chivas 12 years, cardamom infused St-Germain, bruichladdich port charlotte, calvados, demerara syrup and drops of celery bitters.
thehansom.co.uk
The Franklin Bar
Head to The Franklin, Starhotels Collezione, London’s sophisticated cocktail and champagne bar to spend a relaxing evening, in the Great Gatsby 1920s style. On offer are unique signature cocktails created by renowned mixologists. The bar boasts 22 types of gin. The Franklin Bar is out with its new Classic Cocktail menu, featuring twists in iconic drinks such as Old Fashioned, Bloody Mary, Moscow Mule and Espresso Martini among others. This new menu celebrates the bar’s collaboration with bartending duo, Filippo Tacchi and Luca Milesi.
Must try
Try out The Franklin’s revamped Bloody Mary wherein they have substituted vodka for Porto thereby creating an ideal balance of flavour with tomato.
starhotelscollezione.com
Lanes of London
One of the hottest meeting destinations on Park Lane, the Lanes of London serves modern British cuisine along with spirits and cocktails. This London Marriott Hotel Park Lane outlet has a bar space with high chairs and comfortable sofas where you can have your official meet and greet. The bar menu includes an impressive spread of signature cocktails like Go With The Flow, Here Comes The Sun, Royal Garden, Red Cloud and Noble Blitz
to name a few.
Must try
Every month, Lanes of London organises Art Series featuring cocktails inspired by the hotel’s bespoke art collection. Seasonal ingredients form a major part of these unique cocktails.
lanesoflondon.co.uk
The Magritte Bar
This offering by The Beaumont celebrates the tradition of American bars that became legendary in London and Paris during the 1920s. The Magritte Bar specialises in bourbons and classic cocktails. Despite undergoing a soft refurbishment recently, the bar still retains its 1930s ambience. A new set of paintings and original posters, some from the 20s and 30s, have been installed on a new blue burlap walling. Couple your drink with some American comfort foods at the bar, which also features a library of books from independent Mayfair bookseller Heywood Hill, paying homage to the hotel’s history, its Mayfair location and the personalities who frequented the hotel.
Must try
Sip on a glass of The Beaumont champagne cocktail made with gin, dry sherry, elderflower, pineapple, lemon juice, sugar and champagne.
thebeaumont.com
The Luggage Room
Set around the corner of the Grosvenor Square, The Luggage Room is an intimate cocktail bar located at the grand London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. The bar serves heritage cocktails, cups, cobblers, punches and martinis. The cocktail list at The Luggage Room reflects on how drinks have evolved over the years. If you are in the mood for a glass of wine with your close ones, there is an expansive choice available at the bar that can be enjoyed with food sourced from the British Isles, with a weekly rotating cheese selection and charcuterie.
Must Try
The Bull’s Milk at The Luggage Room is an interesting pick, which is a combination of Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac, Royal Salute 21 Year Whisky, strawberry milk syrup and egg white.
luggageroom.co.uk/the-bar
The Rivoli Bar
This glitzy bar at The Ritz London, a part of The Leading Hotels of the World, is the preferred spot for an intimate meet-up. Rich tones, classic artefacts and plush furnishings are some key décor elements of the bar. The Rivoli Bar spoils you for choice with its wide selection of cocktails, wines and champagnes. Some classic Ritz cocktails include Rivoli Vesper, Churchill’s Courage, Cesar Ritz and The Escoffier. Their elaborate food menu comprises caviar delights, canapés and sandwiches among others.
Must try
The Ritz 110 cocktail celebrates The Ritz London’s long and vibrant history. It is crafted with gold infused Absolut Elyx vodka, Grand Marnier and peach liquor, finished with champagne.
theritzlondon.com
Theo Randall at the Intercontinental
While this Intercontinental London Park Lane outlet is a favourite among Italian food lovers, Chef Theo also oversees the extensive wine list that features 90 per cent Italian varietals. Carefully curated fortified wines, dessert wines, vermouths, rum and cachaca are available here. The interiors of Theo Randall at the Intercontinental are subtle with light shades and minimal furnishing. Revamped in 2016, this F&B outlet changes its menu daily, incorporating seasonal ingredients and learnings from Chef Theo’s regular trips to Italy.
Must try
Create your own variation of the Negroni cocktail through Negronificio at Theo Randall at the Intercontinental. A list of Italian gins, and bitters are available, with the bar team on hand to guide each guest through their Negroni personalisation. Add final touches with a garnish of sweet Sicilian orange or zesty Amalfi lemon peel.
theorandall.com
The Wigmore
Located on Regent Street, The Wigmore is fast picking up as a social hotspot in Central London. This British bar at The Langham, London serves great cocktails, wines, cask ales and craft beers. The place is beautifully lit with striking colour tones, setting an atmosphere for a lively evening. Moreover, the pub has two separate, semi-private areas that can be used for groups and special occasions. Masala spiced scotch egg, dahl relish and stovetop cheese toastie are few quick bites that can be enjoyed with your drink.
Must try
Get your hands on a keg of The Wigmore Saison No. 1, BBNO 5.5 per cent beer. The inhouse saison is brewed in collaboration with Bermondsey’s “Brew by Numbers”.
the-wigmore.co.uk
Nisha Shroff and Sanchita Nambiar
