If there’s one thing London isn’t short of, it’s a cocktail bar. They’re everywhere and Martinis and Cosmopolitans are now being mixed all over the city inspite of the credit crunch. Some are cheap, some are very expensive. A number of them are only right. Needless to say, it’s not necessarily easy to inform which ones are worth the money. This information looks at the Goldilocks of cocktail bars through the 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 really a newsagent to the naked eye. But as soon as you spy the sneaky stairs, you’re treated to a gorgeous 30s bar and some excellent cocktails. The £7.50 Sebastian Martini wins points to be 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 look just right.
2. Bob Bob Ricard – Upper James Street
This new haunt is taking trendy Soho by storm. It’s a morning meal bar, a customer and cocktail bar all rolled into one. How very U S of A. your mobile bar service Press a dinky little button at your table to order more champagne (very nice touch) or have among the charming waitresses bring you a rhubarb gin and tonic. It’s not cheap though. Drinks remain a tenner. It’s worth it; you’re spending money on style here.
3. Fluid – Charterhouse Street
Cocktails AND arcade games? Yes please! Throw in a few sushi and this is a fantastic little find in Clerkenwell. With favourites like Space Invaders and Pacman on the old school arcade machines, you’ll have a good time getting in touch with your inner child. They play great music and perform a mean Polish martini. I’m more of a lover of these long drinks, but when you really actually want to, you can 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 among the most used cocktail bars in London and its obvious why. The cocktail list is gigantic. You’d be very very hungover if you tried to work your way through it. It’s not the cheapest cocktail bar – the drinks will set you back about £8 each, but the mixologists are some of the finest in the commercial and if you can’t decide what you would like, you are able to always cause 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 only a bar with an immense cocktail menu, it’s also an art form 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 such as this quirky little bar. Expect to pay around £6 for the tipple.