Where Does Classic Cocktails Best?
You can forget grabbing a jug of fruit-juice overloaded pitcher at your local ‘Spoons this weekend because we’ve rounded up the very best spots in and around the city that champion cocktails the right way. From The Connaught’s legendary Martini trolley to land of the Mai Tai, here’s ten of the best bars to grab yourself a classic tipple…
Kimpton Fitzroy London
Best For: The Vesca Negroni
In honour of the Negroni turning 100 years-old this year, there’s only one place in the city that we’re looking to swoon away the afternoon sipping the tipple – Fitz’s. Nestled inside The Kimpton Fitzroy London sits Fitz’s dressed in flamboyant detail and scattered with works from the Milan-born contemporary artist 2501. It’s the perfect spot to while away your afternoon sampling London’s finest Negroni.
Where: Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel, 1-8 Russell Square, London WC1B 5BE, UK
Website: www.kimptonfitzroylondon.com
The Connaught
Best For: The Martini
It wouldn’t be a cocktail list without including The Connaught Bar which came in at number two in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2019 awards. So, you know, it’s a pretty big deal… The bar is renowned for its legendary cocktails and the Connaught’s signature Martini Trolley. Opt for the classic aperitif that’s tailored to your own personal taste with handmade bitters, Tanqueray No.10 gin and blend of dry vermouths.
Where: Carlos Place, Mayfair, London, W1K 2AL, United Kingdom
Website: www.the-connaught.co.uk
The Court
Best For: The Espresso Martini
No-one does alcoholic beverages better than Mr Lyan himself which is why you need to head over to the brand-new members club, The Court nuzzled in the heart of the thriving Soho. The cocktail menu is made up of ten seriously satisfying cocktails, including five of their own signature tipples, but you can also go ‘off the menu’. We’d recommend their rich, velvety espresso martini which hits all the right spots.
Check out our full review here
Where: 9 Kingly Street, London W1B 5PH, UK
Website: www.thecourt.co.uk
Milk and Honey
Best For: The Penicillin
Spread across three floors, Milk and Honey has become a Soho establishment, and have crafted the ‘Penicillin’ which has become a classic in its own right. It’s a delicate blend of scotch, plated scotch, ginger, lemon and, of course, honey (it’s in the name duh). If you venture over to The Red Room, your drinks will even be served with jagged wedges of ice that have been cut by hand. Precision at its finest.
Where: 61 Poland Street, Soho, W1F 7NU
Website: www.mlkhny.com
Beaufort Bar at The Savoy Hotel
Best For: French 75
There’s only one place to go for a glass of Champers and that’s the Beaufort Bar at The Savoy Hotel. These guys know a thing or two about Champagne, offering one of the most extensive choices of the stuff by the glass and by the bottle. Add a little sparkle to your day by sipping on a French 75 and soaking up the ambience.
Where: Strand, WC2R 0EZ
Website: www.thesavoylondon.com
Heads & Tails
Best For: The Pendennis
Known in the hospitality industry as the ‘industry bar’ that’s continually frequented by London’s finest bartenders, it’s no surprise the guys behind the bar at Heads & Tails know a thing or two about cocktail concocting. Heads & Tail without a doubt have earned themselves the title of the best Pendennis in London, made with gin, apricot liquor, bitters and fresh lime.
Where: 175 West End Lane, West Hampstead, NW6 2LH
Website: www.headsandtails.bar
Trader Vic's London
Best For: Mai Tai
Looking for the ultimate Mai Tai? Nowhere does it better than Trader Vic’s London, mainly down to the fact these guys made Mai Tai history back in 1944 creating the legend of a drink. Decades later, Trader Vic’s has perfected the tipple, adding a staggering ten variations of the drink. Opt for the 1944 Mai Tai and experience the original recipe from The Trader himself.
Where: 22 Park Lane, London, United Kingdom
Website: www.tradervicslondon.com
COYA Mayfair
Best For: The Pisco Sour
Never been to a Pisco library? Look no further than COYA Mayfair. Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, this high-class Peruvian resto know a thing or two about the Pisco Sour and it’s only a matter of time because you start ordering one (or ten…) Pisco is Peru’s national drink so if there’s one thing these guys know, it’s how to serve up the very best. For an authentic taste, opt for a classic, or go all out and try their blueberry and lavender infusion!
Check out our full review here…
Where: 118 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 7NW
Website: www.coyarestaurant.com
45 Jermyn St
Best For: The Bloody Mary
Nothing quite beats a Bloody Mary when you’re feeling a little worse for wear and here to save you from spiralling into a hungover mess is 45 Jermyn St. The bar has perfected five fiery Marys awaiting your discovery. If you’re feeling fragile you might want to steer clear of their dirty Mary who’s concocted of tequila, dirty spice mic, citrus, bacon salt, tomato juice and topped with a cornichon. Their hinomaru Mary is as fiery as it sounds with Ki No Bi gin, Japanese dressing, cayenne pepper, smoked salt, sriracha and tomato juice.
Where: 45 Jermyn Street, St James's, SW1 6DN
Website: www.45jermynst.com
For more ideas on where to go for you next night out, check out London’s top 75 bars, here.
