8 Stylish New London Bars
Scales
For Cocktail Enthusiasts
Deploying lab-grade equipment and the expert knowledge of its two mixologist founders, Scales is set to become a haven for cocktail lovers – the interiors are modern and seductive, full of dimly lit corners for lingering conversation. The founders, who honed their craft at Farzi London, extract their chosen flavours from seasonal ingredients using a centrifuge.
25 Duke Street, Marylebone, W1U 1DJ
Visit ScalesBar.com
Dear Darling
For A Wild Night Out
Fora taste of the luxury and hedonism of pre-revolutionary Versailles, try Dear Darling. The latest opening from the Cream Group (The Windmill, Cirque Le Soir and Reign), you’ll find it on Jermyn Street. The club is split across two levels, with upstairs offering a refined cocktail bar and lounge area, while downstairs there are specialist artists performing at the weekends. Eccentric and boundary-pushing.
91 Jermyn Street, St James's, SW1Y 6JB
Visit Dear-Darling.co.uk
Dram Bar
For A Casual Night Out
In a 17th century Grade II-listed building on Denmark Street, the Dram Bar spreads across three floors. It houses two bars, a whisky shop, an outdoor terrace, a private pool room and a ready-to-drink cocktail vending machine. It also serves coffee in the morning before turning into a welcoming bar by night, serving seasonal cocktails and small plates. The vibes are convivial and cool.
7 Denmark Street, Soho, WC2H 8LZ
Visit DramBar.co.uk
Three Sheets
For Trend Setters
It hasn’t opened yet – it’s launching this month – but if Three Sheets is anything like its older sibling in Dalston, it’s going to be good. The new Soho outpost will be open all day, serving coffee and pastries in the morning, lunch, dinner and night caps. There will be new drinks on the menu – expect them to be clean, elegant and thoughtful in signature Three Sheets style. Ex-Lyle’s chef William Blank has crafted a menu of classics to accompany the cocktails – count on croquettes, salt beef sandwiches, fresh oysters and triple cooked chips.
14-15 Manette Street, Soho, W1D 4AP
Visit ThreeSheets-Bar.com
Wacky Wombat
For Aussie Charm
New from Nico de Soto (of Mace New York fame) and Danico Paris, this subterranean bar brings a taste of Australia to Soho. Expect quirky and experimental cocktails such as Der Raum, made with coconut oil and flesh gin, amaro, sweet vermouth, jackfruit, koshihikari and lemon myrtle.
Manette Street, Soho, W1D 4AL
Follow @Wacky.Wombat
El Bar De Cavita
For Multiple Margaritas
El Bar De Cavita has opened beneath Marylebone Mexican Cavita. Part cantina, part speakeasy, the underground bar is lively and atmospheric – expect stellar margaritas and mezcal cocktails (we’re eyeing up the Azteca Spritz as a cool Mexican answer to Aperol). There’s a bar menu of Mexican street-food dishes – think mooli ceviche tostada and beef shin quesabirria – to round out the cantina vibes.
56-60 Wigmore Street, Marylebone, W1U 2RZ
Visit CavitaRestaurant.com
Bar Levan
For Good Wine
Any foodies who live south of the river will likely have heard of Levan, but they might not know the team opened a 34-seater wine bar, Bar Levan, next door at the end of last year. In a Parisian atmosphere, it offers natural wines from across Europe, mezcals, aperitifs and bar snacks. Co-founder Mark Gurney used to work for a record label, so you can expect to drink to a great soundtrack. There are also DJ and guest chef takeovers in the works.
12-16 Blenheim Grove, Peckham, SE15 4QL
Visit BarLevan.co.uk
Sotto
For Luxe Speakeasy Vibes
Tucked beneath Bocconcino Soho, Sotto is open every Friday and Saturday until 2am. Expect chic interiors, a resident DJ and an impressive cocktail menu full of innovative spicy, herbal and umami-rich offerings, such as a Funghi Old Fashioned (rye whiskey infused with wild mushrooms) and an Avocado Amore (pisco, avocado, Italian lemons, chilli and basil foam). It’s luxe, and a bit out there.
59 Great Marlborough Street, Soho, W1F 7JY
Nic Crilly Hargrave
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