7 New Bars To Drink In This May
Alfred Le Roy
Now the weather’s warm, Crate Brewery’s very own barge, the Alfred Le Roy, is back open for business. Decked out in pale shades of pink and blue, the pretty 40-seater serves up classic cocktails while moored, but is also available to hire for two-hour booze cruises on the River Lea. Also on the menu is a selection of sharing platters, featuring local goods such as Neal’s Yard cheese, E5 Bakehouse bread, charcuterie, olives and relishes.
White Post Lane, Hackney Wick E9 5EN
Visit AlfredLeRoy.com
American Bar at The Savoy
If you haven’t paid this golden oldie a visit, here are two new reasons to do so. One, it was recently named World’s Best Bar at the World’s 50 Best. Two, it’s just released a new cocktail list inspired by the portraits that line its walls. Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlene Dietrich are just some of the stars that have inspired the sips. We like the sound of the Pinstripe, inspired by a lounging Mick Jagger: Grey Goose vodka, apricot liqueur, tea-infused muscat, lemon, champagne syrup and lavender.
100 Strand, Covent Garden WC2R 0EZ
Visit Fairmont.com
Callooh Callay
Quirky Shoreditch cocktail bar Callooh Callay has given its not-so-secret members’ bar JubJub a lick of paint. Within, expect the atmosphere to be dark and mysterious, with touches of light brought in via neon signs. We haven’t managed to try one yet, but we bet that the new cocktail list is as impressive as ever. Just a note: this might be a members’ bar, but it’s an inclusive one – anyone is allowed in, but members get extra perks such as no queues, their own key and a private entrance.
65 Rivington St, Shoreditch, EC2A 3AY
Visit CalloohCallayBar.com
Devonshire Terrace
We’ve always liked Devonshire Square come summer. Not only are there loads of restaurants and bars in one spot, but it’s completely covered by a glass roof, making alfresco dining an option even if the weather packs in. Drake & Morgan’s newest site (in the spot previously occupied by Hixter) is taking full advantage of the outdoors/indoors theme, with a selection of botanical cocktails, plenty of outdoor seating and plants, plus, come the weekend, a wedding licence. This all-day eatery will also have a late licence – perfect for parties.
Devonshire Square, City, EC2M 4WY
Visit DrakeAndMorgan.co.uk
Jin Bo Law Skybar
The new Dorsett City hotel is making the most of its location by opening a 14th-floor rooftop bar with views of London landmarks like the Walkie Talkie, the Shard, Tower Bridge and the Gherkin. The modern spot is Asian-leaning – expect to see lots of shochu and sake on the menu. We like the sound of the Nikka-Bocker Glory, which offers a fun twist on traditional Vietnamese coffee – sweetened condensed milk and Japanese Nikka whisky is served like a milkshake.
Aldgate High St, Aldgate, EC3N 1AH
Visit JinBoLaw.co.uk
Temper City
While we all wait for Neil Rankin’s third Temper site to open in mid-May (heads up, this time he’ll be focusing on pizza) here’s some good news – Temper City has opened a dedicated bar area. Cocktails include the Cheapside Date (grapefruit, lemon, rose-infused gin and Campari) and our favourite, the dangerous Glasgow Kiss (triple sec, Buckfast, gin and vermouth). Bar bites come in the form of the Temper mutton roll, onion and samphire pakora and dry goat paratha.
Angel Court, 30 Throgmorton St, Bank, EC2R 7HJ
Visit TemperRestaurant.com
The Perception at W London
The Leicester Square hotel has just launched its flower-filled pop-up bar, which will run until 16th June. Within, there’ll be a living wall, from which guests will be able to pick herbs and spices to garnish their cocktails. For those feeling patriotic, the bar team has also created a cocktail in Prince Harry’s honour. His namesake tipple will mix Jägermeister with ginger paste, lime and ginger beer.
10 Wardour Street, Leicester Square, W1D 6QF
Visit WLondon.co.uk
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