London's bars are reopening fully and from mezcalarias to natural wine bars we've got a hot list of drinking establishments you should know about.
Open now
Homeboy Embassy Gardens
6 New Union Square, Embassy Gardens, Nine Elms, London SW11 7DN
The award-winning bar team at Islington’s Homeboy have headed south of the river for their second opening. This one at Embassy Gardens features a large wraparound terrace with heaters that has been the first part of the bar to open. Inside, there's a trad bar seating area at the front with more tables beyond that, for the all-day food offering by chef Michael Williams. Toast the late great Sir Tel with their cocktail The Wogan - featuring Teeling Whiskey and apricot brandy and make sure to order a three-cheese toastie with Tayto crisps.
Follow them on Instagram: @homeboybars
More about Homeboy Embassy Gardens
Golden Gai
16A D'Arblay St, London W1F 8EA
Dalston restaurant Angelina launched a Soho bar spin-off that has a lot to recommend it, including great cocktails and Japanese-Italian fusion food. But it's Wednesday’s Drag & Wine with Vanity VonGlow and the Wicked Winos which promises to "take your taste buds to great heights...and your minds to the gutter" that's fast becoming the biggest draw.
Follow them on Instagram: @goldengai.soho
Frank's
34 Duke Street St James's, Greater, St. James's, London SW1Y 6DF
This subterranean bar á vin, underneath glorious new St James brasserie Maison Francois, is every bit as beautiful as the restaurant above. It's going to be a very handy spot to meet for a drink in this area with a wide range of wines by the glass. Plus, we're all for a bar menu that includes a French onion soup toastie.
Follow them on Instagram: @franksbar_mf
KOL Mezcaleria
9 Seymour St, London W1H 7BA
We got a sneak preview of this basement bar at Santiago Lastro’s Kol restaurant at the end of last year - Bar Manager Maxim Schulte (formerly of The American Bar at the Savoy).only got in one service before the lockdown. It’s a lovely space celebrating traditional Mexican drinking culture, with the addition of seasonal British ingredients. Next-level bar snackage includes Kentish Oaxacan cheese quesadilla with fresh truffles.
Follow them on Instagram: @kol.mezcaleria
Photo: Charlie McKay
Sabine Rooftop Bar
Unit 7, 10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ
Loads of rooftop bars boast 'a view' but really how many of them are so close you could practically tickle the dome of St Paul's with your swizzle stick? Sabine hasn't even opened yet, but it's already had a starring role in an episode of TOWIE. One for the Insta crowds, for sure.
Opens: 20 May 2021
Follow them on Instagram: @sabine_rooftopbar.
Open in May
Side Hustle
NoMad London, 4 Bow St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7AT
There are no fewer than three bars at the new NoMad hotel in London, including Common Decency, their basement "cocktail bar meets stylish lounge" which opens in November. The first one you’ll be able to try is Side Hustle, their take on the British pub. Expect “agave-based spirits and cocktails, showcasing the flavours and traditions of Mexico” and a food menu to match.
Opens: 25 May 2021
Follow them on Instagram: @thenomadhotel
Opening soon
Mezcaleria El Colmillo
El Pastor Soho, 66-70 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 9UP
Taking over the Hix Soho basement bar space, this downstairs bar from El Pastor Soho is inspired by the bar that co-founders Sam Hart and Crispin Somerville ran in Mexico City. Expect a great playlist and plenty of hard liquor.
Opens: 2 June 2021
Follow them on Instagram: @tacos_el_pastor
More about Mezcaleria El Colmillo
Bar Mistura
60-62 Commercial St, Spitalfields, London E1 6LN
Andina’s new Spitalfields digs will have a basement South American bar and taqueria called Bar Mistura. Alongside Baja cod tacos and carnitas they’ll be mixing up margaritas, caipirinhas, and pisco sours, of course.
Opens: June 2021
Follow them on Instagram: @andinalondon
Hector’s
47-49 Ardleigh Road, N1 4HS
This upcoming De Beauvoir coffee and bottle shop will turn into a wine bar at weekends with a list curated by former Hill & Szrok partner Jimmy Stephenson who put together Hill & Szrok's 2021 winning Star Wine List.
Opens: June 2021
Follow them on Instagram: @hectorslondon
Bar Crispin
19 Kingly Street, Soho, London, W1B 5PY
The team behind Crispin in Spitalfields are expanding with this natural wine bar opening in the heart of Soho. With over 150 bottles on the list focusing on old-world and small producers, they’ll also hold monthly wine events, including tastings and food pairings.
Opens: Early July 2021
Follow them on Instagram: @bar_crispin
Planque
322-324 Acton Mews, London E8 4EA
Billed as a ‘wine drinkers clubhouse’ this Haggerston wine bar and restaurant should be an oenophile’s dream. If you join as members, you’ll get access to your own wine lounge, along with cellarage.
Opens: August 2021
Follow them on Instagram: @_planque_
Ginger Lily
Pan Pacific London, 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
The main bar at the new Pan Pacific London in Liverpool Street has Francesco Putignano, previously at Seabird, taking charge. Their aim is to have the largest by-the-glass list of fizz in the City. There’ll also be an Asian small plates menu to go with the drinks and cocktails.
Opens: Summer 2021
Follow them on Instagram: @panpacificlondon
And the new Best Bar in the World
The Connaught Bar
Connaught, Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL
Back in November, when London was in lockdown, The Connaught Bar landed itself the incredibly prestigious top slot in The World's 50 Best Bars list. But, despite being the best bar in the world, most Londoners haven’t been able to have a drink in it since then because of Covid restrictions except for a brief week or two in December. While it has a deservedly high reputation for its martinis - made tableside - ordering from the Formae cocktail menu gives the team a chance to show you why they won.
Follow them on Instagram: @theconnaught
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