The options for getting one’s drink on in London continued to broaden and improve in 2014. I truly was impressed with the libations on offer at so many bars around town this year.
Listed below in alphabetical order are five London bars – from long venerated waterholes to newbie nooks – where I enjoyed having a drink more than anywhere else in town over the past 12 months.
Keep an eye out for more posts over the coming days for more best of 2014 lists. And please note, these ‘best of’ lists merely reflect how I chose to spend my time during the year and are comprised of well established and brand new venues as well as businesses that are local to me or somehow related to where work and play took me.
Best Bars in London
Artesian
The Langham, Portland Place, W1B 1JA
I’m hardly the first person to sing the praises of Artesian, and my blog is far from the most notable to rank this gorgeous bar situated within the lavish Langham London hotel. For an expertly crafted cocktail in a sophisticated but still very fun setting, allow yourself the pleasure of enjoying at least one drink here very soon.
Augustus Harris
33 Catherine Street, WC2B 5JT
An uncomplicated menu of pronounced northern Italy flavour; an equally concise and decidedly Italian list of wine and drinks; a stylish wood and copper bar that’s as cosy as it is elegant – there’s a lot to love about Augustus Harris, a Venetian inspired bàcaro conveniently set within the heart of Theatreland.
The Bonneville
43 Lower Clapton Road, E5 ONS
I loved the French inspired food at this moody Clapton restaurant and bar – but it was the drink that really did it for me. Best mixed Mai-Tai in London (well, aside from my own)? Maybe. Mayyyyyybe.
Cro-Bar
17 Manette Street, W1D 4AS
For all the things the other bars in this list ain’t … for its utter lack of pretense (and hipsters, and food snobs) … for its poor-folk friendly “beer ‘n whisky” happy hour, for its especially convenient Soho location … and most importantly for its melt your face off jukebox of mostly metal and plenty of hard rock classics, Cro-Bar is more often than anywhere else my first choice for a drink when drifting about Central London.
The Polo Bar
The Westbury Hotel at the entrance at 37 Conduit Street, W1S 2YF
Upscale and low key, The Polo Bar at The Westbury Hotel is conveniently centred between Bond Street, Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus stations yet removed just enough from the fray to allow for decompression. With Art Deco inspired designer interiors with Swarovski and Fendi details, it’s a swish spot to keep in mind whether you’re mingling to impress or simply hoping to unwind in high style.
More of the Best of 2014 to follow!
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