Long Bar at the Sanderson Hotel
Interior design guru Philippe Starck’s surreal masterpiece, just a couple of minutes’ walk up the road from the London EDITION hotel's ultra-private Punch Room, provides an exclusive space to drink, observe and be observed.
Attracting a chilled out, trendy crowd, Long Bar offers Mediterranean sharing platters, an ever-changing extensive cocktail list and a private booth, which leads off the courtyard, offering absolute privacy behind white drapes. We recommend the Pisco Sours cocktail, swiftly followed by a Crack Baby.
(Image shown is the hotel's Billiards Room)
The Blue Bar at The Berkeley
Located in this eponymous Knightsbridge hotel, the intimate and trendy Blue Bar is a must-visit for art deco lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. An impressive collection of 1920s and ‘30s inspired cocktails, each handmade by a mixologist, adorn a concise bar menu which includes over 50 different whiskies, Champagnes and a decent selection of wines offered by the glass.
Why not arrive early for a drink, then slip through to Marcus at The Berkeley to sample some exquisite Michelin-starred dining?
Punch Room at the London EDITION Hotel
Situated tucked away at the very back of one of London’s hottest new hotels, Punch Room is a swish, super-luxe delight, offering an extraordinarily calm oak-panelled country house ambiance. This reservations-only bar provides the perfect place to entertain when seeking something unique.
We strongly recommend the Punch Bowl, a sharing gin-infused cocktail made with EDITION punch, jasmine tea and oak moss.
Pisco Bar at Coya, Mayfair
Latin American soul has landed in London’s chic Mayfair. The result is a trio of colour, culture and sophistication. Pisco Bar, open to diners, offers unique pisco infusions and 40 different tequilas – there is also an equally impressive list of rums.
An exclusive members’ only bar and a Peruvian restaurant serving authentic cuisine with a modern twist, lovingly prepared from three open kitchens in front of diners.
Lounge at the Zetter Townhouse
Le chef extraordinaire Bruno Loubet, and Tony Conigliaro, together with the Zetter, have created a quintessentially English cocktail lounge and bar in a glorious London townhouse. Quirky antiques and artifacts along with oil paintings in ornate gilded frames proudly adorn the interiors.
The drinks list is a veritable 18th century revival of old recipes, bitters and tinctures. We were tempted by the Jasmine Tea Gimlet: Beefeater gin and homemade jasmine tea cordial, and the Cap de Creus: Havana Club 3yr rum, lemon juice and almond milk. Smooth. A new Zetter will open this spring (2015) in Marylebone.
Radio at ME London Hotel
The ultimate go-to destination at this year’s London Fashion Week, Radio offers breathtaking views of the London skyline – including St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard and the Houses of Parliament - and a super external terrace for warm evenings, this contemporary rooftop bar has a tempting tapas menu along with fresh loose-leaf teas and exquisite cocktails.
Perfect for impressing at any time of the day!
Light Bar at St. Martin’s Lane
If you are seeking an intimate, exclusive drinking establishment, which attracts the sharpest and most elegantly dressed of guests, Light Bar is for you. Situated at the very back of Covent Garden’s sleek St Martin’s Lane hotel, the venue screams 1980s minimalism. The exceptionality of the cocktails is on par with the striking photographs by Jean Baptiste Mondino, which adorn the walls
Opt for the hugely popular Lychee and Elderflower Martini or the Raspassion Martini.
The immaculately dressed staff are smiley and pleasant. One of very few London bars which opens until 3am from Monday to Saturday (midnight on a Sunday).
5cc at The Exmouth Arms
A secret delight hidden away upstairs at the Exmouth Arms in Clerkenwell’s hotspot Exmouth Market is this cute cocktail bar, offering long, short and martini cocktails together with English oysters. NINE’s recommendations include the Cucumber Collins: Martin Millers Westbourne gin mixed with cucumber and mint (£9), Rhubarb Daiquiri: white rum, lime, rhubarb and sugar (£10), and the Pear & Ginger Sour: pear & ginger liqueur shaken with fresh lemon juice and egg white (£9).
The ambiance is sexy speakeasy-meets-French brasserie with a hint of English eccentricity. We visited on a Wednesday and it was pleasantly quiet.
The Collection, Knightsbridge
Situated perfectly equidistant between Knightsbridge and South Kensington, this Tom Dixon-designed bar, lounge and restaurant must surely have the most glamourous entrance in London – an expansive mood-lit catwalk – which opens out into a vast warehouse-like wonderland of surreal lighting, luxurious banquette seating and peal green velvet walls.
The extensive cocktail list offers classics with a modern twist such as the Collection Mojito: Plantation Rum Especial, Manzanna, fresh mint, lime, lychee and sugar topped with Champagne. The private dining room is perfect for a birthday party or dinner. Open Thursday to Saturday.