Summer has arrived and while we’re cautiously optimistic that it’s here to stay, London’s restaurants and bars are shaping up to launch a series of summer bars - many of which open this week.
Whilst it’s clear that our obsession with gin is still at an all-time high, it’s great to see a range of concepts which celebrate summer drinks found throughout America, Italy, Jamaica and India.
Here's our pick of the best places to enjoy some summer drinking over the coming months.
Avenue in St James is bringing some Long Island spirit to Mayfair, transforming its bar into a Hamptons-themed popup. Taking after this popular holiday destination for wealthy New Yorkers, the takeover will showcasea range of seafood dishes and seasonal cocktails to the bar. Chris Calvert, Avenue’s bar manager will be hosting two cocktail master classes, these demonstrate how to make a range of featured cocktails, complimented by snacks from the popup menu. Scheduled for 25th July and 15th August, they’re priced at £30pp.
Where: 7-9 St James’s Street, London, SW1 1EE
Runs until: Late August
Eat this: The Avenue Lobster roll – British lobster, peppers, bibb lettuce and aioli
Drink this: Frozen Watermelon Martini
Perched atop the South Place hotel,Michelin-starred Angler is giving visitors a taste of Italian summer with the launch of its rooftop terrace bar. Taking inspiration from Turin’s eponymous Caffè Torino, the pop up features a five-strong aperitivo cocktail list and a short range of bar snacks.
Where: South Place Hotel, 3 South Place, EC2M 2AF
Runs till: 2nd September
Drink this: South Place Spritz – Martini Rubino, lavender, grilled lemon and tonic
Eat this:Sicilian Bolognese arancini with aged parmesan and summer truffle mayonnaise, Frittomisto di mare
The Allotment at Bread Street Kitchen
One of the most impressive fit-outs of the summer, Bread Street Kitchen has constructed a living allotment inside their St Paul’s restaurant. Set to impress, the popup features a greenhouse-inspired private dining space and a big screen broadcasting the seasons best sporting events. Head chef Paul Shearing has designed a dedicatedmenu, whichcelebrates home-grown British produce and uses ingredients taken straight from the allotment. The cocktail list will also draw upon these same ingredients and features a range of botanical twists on classic cocktails.
Where: 10 Bread Street, EC4M 9AJ
Runs till: Early September
Drink this: Mint Paloma – Patron silver tequila, grapefruit juice, lime, agave, mint and grapefruit bitters
Eat this: Bombay Sapphire cured salmon with blueberry and coriander seed
The Sipsmith Summer Terrace at Trishnabrings together Marylebone’s Michelin-starred Indian restaurant and one of our favouriteLondon gin distilleries. This popup celebrates India’s long heritage with gin – combining British summer classics with flavours and refreshments enjoyed across India. The four gin cocktails on the menu are also available to order insider the restaurant and have been designed to pair with Trishna’s south-west Indian dishes.
Where: 15-17 Blandford Street, W1U 3DG
Runs till: 17th September
Drink this: KesarPista Fizz – Sipsmith London Cup &prosecco with a house-made pistachio & saffron lemon sorbet
Eat this: Nanduvaruval soft shell crab, green chilli, tomato chutney
Cinnamon Kitchen Summer Pavilion
Devonshire Square’s Cinnamon Kitchen has transformed their outdoor space into a vibrant gin garden, featuring botanicals, luxury gazebos, and a big screen featuring summer sports. There’s even a life-sized baby elephant replica which will no doubt come into play once you’ve enjoyed a few of their Ultimate G&T twists or original Gin cocktails. There’s also an Indian bar snack menu and sharing platters if you’re planning to get the team together.
Where: 9 Devonshire Square, London, EC2M 4YL
Runs till: Late summer
Drink this: Star Negroni – Bombay, vermouth, Martini bitter, orange wedge
Eat this: Lamb shammi kebabs, Masala olives, chilli crayfish gem cup
Jamaican Garden Terrace at Boisdale Canary Wharf
Over the summer Boisdale Canary Wharf are transforming their outdoor space into a 130 meter long Jamaica Garden Terrace. Taking inspiration from Portland, Jamaica the terrace has been completely ‘greened-out’ with tropical plants and palm trees.Guests will be treated to Jamaican rum punch and Caribbean cocktails whilst the kitchen team will be firing up the Jamaican Jerk BBQ Grill.This will dish up Jerk platters, Jamaican burgers and, in true Boisdale style – whole 1lb lobsters.
Where: Boisdale Canary Wharf, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf London, E14 4QT
Runs till: 30th August
Drink this: Jamaican rum punch
Eat this: Jamaican Szechuan pepper & chilli squid
Belsazar popup bar at CRAFT Greenwich
South of the river, Craft London has launched a three month summer terrace in collaboration with Berlin-based vermouth brand Belsazar. Dave Brosnan, Craft’s bar manager has created a range of Belsazar spritzes with fresh ingredients and garnishes from Craft’s on-site kitchen garden. Open Tuesday – Saturday, the bar will also host bi-weekly spritz masterclasses which launch from Thursday 20 July.
Where: Top floor, Craft London, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0SQ
Runs till: 24th September
Drink this: R&R – Belsazar Rosé, grapefruit, Verbena, Kombucha, Mezcal
Eat this: Cod’s roe, fried courgette or Craft pickled vegetables with salted yoghurt
Subterranean Garden at Worship St Whistling Shop
And finally - Worship Street Whistling shop are launching a ‘Subterranean Summertime Garden’. This Victoriana-themed drinking den has been created in partnership with Hendricks and will feature a dedicated gin cocktail menu and programme of masterclasses to run throughout the summer - the perfect place to escape when the weather closes in…
Where: 63 Worship Street, EC2A 2DU
Runs till: 31st August
Drink this: Anomalous Negroni – Hendrick’s, hibiscus sweet wine, Kamm& Sons
Eat this: Butcher charcuterie trencher platter
Also Try
- Gin Garden Terrace at Temple and Sons – Another gin garden featuring a list of 50 gins curated by award-winning bartender Jamie Jones
- Vinoteca Rosé Terrace – An outdoor bar serving 13 types of rosé
- Skylounge Casa Havana – A Cuban rooftop bar serving up classic rum cocktails with a Cuban themed snack menu
