8 Top Bars in London for Gin Cocktails
Sometimes even we can get overwhelmed by the choice of bars on our doorstep, all promising the best ingredients, expert mixologists and the slickest/funnest/most glamorous surroundings. This is the exact reason that some are more appropriate than others at different times and for different occasions. The purpose for this guide? The best bars for gin. The Handbook have caught up with Bloom Gin to get their lowdown on the best places to get gin cocktails in London. Lightly floral, Bloom is as happy in cocktails as it is in a good old G&T’s, so here are 8 of the best bars in London to enjoy Bloom.
Sky Garden
Botanical cocktails at London’s highest public garden
If you haven’t been to Sky Garden you are missing out. London’s highest public garden, the venue itself is free to visit during certain hours but the restaurants and bars are worth the climb… Ok you just need to press ‘35’ in the elevator. If you’ve worked up a thirst looking at the view, take a seat in Sky Pod Bar which although is open from 7am, comes alive once the sun sets. The botanical-inspired cocktail menu suits the floral taste of Bloom perfectly – request it in your ‘Chelsea Garden’ with other plant-y ingredients of elderflower liquer, apple and lemon juice and fresh cucumber.
Where: Sky Garden, 20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 8AF, UK
Website: skygarden.london
The Shrub & Shutter
Quirky cocktails and imaginative food
Continuing the horticultural theme, Brixton’s Shrub and Shutter is a cosy yet sophisticated destination to try adventurous cocktails and quirky, locally sourced food. We like the sound of the ‘Hill Top Hood’ – fresh and easy to drink (as if it wouldn’t be) with ginger cucumber, avocado shrub and sashimi straight from Brixton Market. Just try saying Shrub and Shutter quickly after a few…
Where: 336 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8QH
Website: http://www.theshrubandshutter.com
Vista at Trafalgar Hotel
Classic cocktails and views of Trafalgar Square
The mixologists at Vista are no stranger to the unique taste of Bloom – a summer pop-up this year turned the rooftop into a Bloom Gin rooftop garden. Although the garden is now closed until Spring, get a taste of Spring early with a classic Bloom cocktail. Really can’t wait until 2016? Vista is available for private hire so why not see the New Year in in style, right in the heart of the city?
Where: 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, SW1A 2TS
Website: http://www.thetrafalgar.com/vista-homepage
Galvin at Windows
Michelin starred restaurant and views over Hyde Park
There seems to be a bit of a common theme of bars at altitude but that and the fact they serve Bloom Gin is where the similarities end. Views of Hyde Park are the selling point for Galvins, and the drinks are best served pre or post dinner in their Michelin starred, 1930s inspired restaurant. Try the ‘Thousand Buddhas’; Bloom with hibiscus and spiced eucalyptus.
Where: 22 Park Ln, London W1K 1BE, United Kingdom
Website: www.galvinatwindows.com
Longitude 0°8'
A moody hotel bar with all the classics
Multiple bars lie in 5 starred Le Meridien Piccadilly but only one has live music every Thursday and a cocktail menu split into signatures, twists on classics and all-time favourites. Longitude 0°8′ lies on the lower ground floor of the hotel and is equally as welcoming by day and by night. Take a perch on a red bar stool and order a Spiced In-Fashion; egg white whipped up with lavender bitters, caster sugar, fresh mint and Bloom Gin.
Where: Le Meridien Piccadilly, 21 Piccadilly, W1J 0BH
Website: http://www.longitude08.co.uk
sketch
Instagrammable interiors
One of the most photographed restaurants in London, Sketch is the pink room with zigzag flooring, chairs which resemble sponge fingers and artwork on the walls. The East Bar is visually documented slightly less but is no less stylish. Enjoy a pre-dinner ‘Blooming Beauty’; Maquis vodka, Bloom gin, lemon juice, agave syrup, green tea and basil leaves or tell yourself that the green tea component makes it ideal for 3pm. One final tip? Make sure you go to the toilet.
Where: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, W1S 2XG
Website: www.sketch.london
The Imperial
Classic drinks in a Chelsea pub
A civilised menu lurks in The Imperial – and cocktails are not overlooked. This relaxed and inviting Chelsea pub offers a place appealing at any time of day. Come cocktail o’clock, have a chat to the bar staff and see what they can make for you, but we think a classic pub calls for a classic gin and tonic. And maybe a few truffle polenta cubes with parmesan to remind ourselves we are on the Kings Road.
Where: 577 King’s Road, London, SW6 2EH, United Kingdom
Website: www.the-imperial.co.uk
