November. The month that for most people is simply spent just waiting for the next one to roll
While the nights are darker and colder, the London hospitality scene is relentless and there is no time like the present for some of these industry stalwarts to turn out new options for the city’s discerning drinkers.
Most of these venues are on their third, fourth, fifth incarnation – no newbies here, which means their quality is basically guaranteed. Add in the most exciting new development in real estate for a long while over in King’s Cross, and there are some really great options. So if you’re looking to be the first through the door, or are a particular fan of soft launches – we bring you our definitive round-up of the hottest new bars in London right now.
And what do wear on a stylish night out? Lisa Haynes curates her must-have edit from the latest Hush party wear favourites. You’ll be ready for every invite this winter.
Little Mercies
20 Broadway Parade, London, N8 9DE
Two bro’s that are definitely doing some great stuff are Max and Noel Venning. With sites in Dalston and Old Spitalfields Market – they’re now open in Crouch End. Much like the others the space is pared right back – all exposed brick, dark walls and a long, showcase of a bar. Drinks here are super simple, clean and above all tasty. There’s not a whole host of flashy garnishes, the ice is usually substantial and glassware is pleasingly thin. For their third site, they’ve teamed up with Alan Sherwood (of Peg + Patriot fame) – so lucky you if you live locally and certainly worth a trip if you don’t. Website
Genuine Liquorette
6 Rathbone Place, London, W1T 1HL
Now… there’s a lot going on here. You can mix your own drinks and take them away in a go cup, you can head upstairs where they’re piercing cans of pop with perhaps the most heavy-handed piece of machinery we’ve ever seen, or you can take the easy option, stay on the ground floor and have – you know – a proper drink… BUT when this place calms down – it’s going to be fantastic. The interior design is fun, the staff seem truly delighted to welcome you and the location versus the prices means this is well worth a look. Website
Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration
1A Bedford Street, London, WC2E 9HH
The latest venue from the team at Mr Fogg’s in a sprawling basement bar just off The Strand. There’s more steampunk, there’s more gin, there are more moustaches and there are even more quirky garnishes. If you’re looking for fun (with a healthy dose of consistency) this is a great option tucked away from the tourists. Website
The Drop
Coal Drops Yard, Stable Street, London, N1C 4AB
Sam & Eddie Hart know how to restaurant. Barrafina is surely still the best casual dining experience in London right!? And El Pastor? Yep. Really great too. So with the new development of Coal Drops Yard – it’s no wonder they were on the list for a site. And what a site. Both concepts are slap up against each other AND now there’s a wine bar in the basement. So you basically don’t need to leave the premises for lunch, drinks or dinner. Perfect. Barrafina and Casa Pastor are of course each sending out tasty plates – but the wine bar has a very extensive but approachable list curated by Aimee Hartley. Designed to suit all depths of pocket and all types of palettes – this is a must visit if you’re in the area. Website
Bodega Rita’s
Unit 114, Lower Stable Street, London, N1C 4DR
Another pair of industry darlings that were invited to take a space in this impressive new bit of London was Missy Flynn and Gabriel Pryce. Much like Rita’s previous incarnations, it’s styled on a bodega – a corner shop that caters for a little bit of everything. This time – their focusing on their all-day trade so there’s some tasty looking sandwich options (ratatouille, fresh sheep’s milk cheese with thyme and habenaro honey?), a small but perfectly formed wine list and there’s talk of some canned cocktails which will be available for take away. Missy’s drinks are always delicious, so keep your eyes peeled. Website
Heads and Tails
175 West End Lane, London, NW6 2LH
West Hampstead definitely needed some love – it’s a nice place to live, sure and the Jubilee line is a dream, but where to go for a properly tasty drink. Fear not friends… the team behind the sorely missed Sovereign Loss over in Bethnal Green have finally found a site to call home. With a split personality to cater for whatever you’re in the mood for; there’s a light, bright space upstairs – with characteristically zingy, fresh serves to suit the surroundings and a dark, smoky jazz bar down below with whisky at the fore mixed in short, brown drinks. Website
Garden Room (opening 23rd November)
10th Floor, Assembly Hotel, 27-31 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0LS
From the awesome team behind Bourne & Hollingsworth – this is a brand new venue, perched high above the glittering West End. With roof top views and a cocktail list (and a bar manager) committed to featuring lower ABV drinks, way less sugar and much cleaner flavours – this place is basically good for you. Get in line. Website
Any Questions or Tips to add?