6 New Bars To Try This June
Death + Victory
Meat mecca Smiths of Smithfield has opened a new cocktail bar on its first floor as part of a giant refurbishment project. Named Death + Victory, in a nod to Smithfield Market’s memorial plaque to William Wallace, this intimate cocktail lounge features a concept drinks list that aims to transport guests through pivotal moments in the historical market's lifetime – we like the sound of the 1300s-inspired whisky tipples.
67-77 Charterhouse Street, Farringdon, EC1M 6HJ
Visit SmithsOfSmithfield.co.uk
The Green Room
The uber-cool Curtain hotel and members’ club in Shoreditch has launched a brand new bar to celebrate its first birthday. Brought to life by Eleanor Horwell Designs, the luxe look incorporates jewel-coloured tiles, emerald velvet curtains and banquettes, rough concrete textures and gold chandeliers. Drinks include the floral ‘MaBelle’, a tribute to the walled rose garden in Victoria Park, while the ‘Rough Trade’ is a tiki drink with a Bangladeshi twist – a nod to Brick Lane.
45 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, EC2A 3PT
Visit TheCurtain.com
Vijay’s Lounge
Colonial-themed Indian tapas bar Lokhandwala has opened a cocktail lounge. Themed as a speakeasy, Vijay’s Lounge is decorated with dark walls and rich fabrics. Floral syrups and Indian spices play a prominent role in the cocktails – our pick is the ‘Star of India’: fennel seed and cardamom-infused Star of Bombay, lemon juice, orange and mango marmalade, Crème de Cassis and tonic water. Keep an eye out for the hidden outdoor terrace, too.
93 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 4PY
Visit Lokhandwala.co.uk
Fitz’s Bar
Following the launch of Brett Redman’s new seafood joint Neptune is Fitz’s Bar, the newest spot to open up at The Principal Hotel in Bloomsbury. Named after the building’s architect Charles Fitzroy Doll, this beautiful bar has paid close attention to its heritage – the space is awash with dark-wood panelling, stained glass and fringed velvet furnishings. Cocktails take inspiration from the jazz age; we’re keen to try a ‘Spy Princess’ (Holy Grass vodka, Edinburgh rhubarb & ginger liqueur, Amaro Montenegro, apple, lemon, egg white and champagne).
Russell Square, Bloomsbury, WC1B 5BE
Visit Fitzs.co.uk
The Little Blue Door
Following the huge success of The Little Yellow Door in Notting Hill, some of the ‘flatmates’ have moved to Fulham for more of the same house parties, dinner parties and after-parties. Inside, expect a relaxed but stylish pad, filled with large comfy sofas and loads of houseplants. Drinks come in the form of the ‘Surprise House Punch’ and ‘Coffee & Cigarettes’ – an espresso martini served with a candied cigarette for authenticity. Saturday brunches and Sunday roasts are also sure to be big hits.
871-873 Fulham Road, Fulham, SW6 5HP
Visit TheLittleBlueDoor.co.uk
Rake’s
A new all-day destination is opening up in Liverpool Street’s Andaz Hotel. Inspired by Hogarth’s series of eight paintings, The Rake’s Progress, the Russell Sage Studios-designed Rake’s Café Bar will house three relaxed spaces: the Front Room will play host to the main café-bar and DJs Thursday-Saturday; the Parlour will be a relaxing lounge area; while No.3 is a secret room that can be closed off for private parties. Expect contemporary cocktails, sharing plates and eclectic interiors.
40 Liverpool Street, City, EC2M 7QN; opens 1st June
Visit LondonLiverpoolStreet.Andaz.Hyatt.com
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