Drinks that are lovingly crafted with innovation, imagination and fun as the ingredients are certain to raise the spirits and provide a wonderful talking point for any evening out.
Fittingly for such stylish drinks, it was New York City that pioneered the art of creative mixing and cocktails over a century ago. Since then, the incredible world of mixology has grown in flavours, passion and dedication throughout the years. Cocktails are the perfect starter before a meal, a light drink complementing the main dinner and lovely as a delicious dessert to finish off a delectable dish.
London restaurants have some of the world’s most incredible restaurant bars where the versatility of cocktails is endless. Thousands of mixes of sweet, salty, bitter and sour are created by the best mixologists in the world and it can be difficult to choose which place is best to enjoy a cocktail with your meal.
To guide you to the best in London, we have created a list of 6 of the best restaurants for cocktails to plan the perfect evening out.
The Connaught
Our guide simply would not be complete without a mention for The Connaught. This is widely regarded as amongst the finest bars in the entire world. Its location inside the Mayfair Hotel also makes it a fitting place to try the pinnacle of mixology in the capital, with tableside preparation and an important dash of theatre too. With glorious Art Deco surroundings and timeless charm, it's difficult to think of a better cocktail establishment in the whole of Europe. Bookings are essential as thousands flock to this award-winning bar every month. The Connaught should remain firmly on the top of any list for cocktails in London.
Madison
With one of the most stylish rooftops around and views over St. Paul’s, this is a jewel in the crown of the London cocktail scene. The restaurant takes inspiration from the lively atmosphere of the New York dining scene with live music and DJs. A rooftop bar offers brunch at the weekend for those about to enjoy some shopping, and a St Paul’s sunset cocktail, that’s perfect for the end of a busy day. Soak up the sun when it shines and enjoy good times with friends in a remarkable setting that is always vibrant and energetic.
Ikoyi Restaurant St James’
One of London’s most exciting restaurant bars, Ikoyi is a new West African restaurant in St James’ Market. The Michelin guide recently referred to it as one of the most innovative and original restaurants to open in the capital in recent times. The cocktail menu was built in collaboration with Max and Noel Venning of Three Sheets bar and is inspired by ingredients stemming from West African countries such as Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon. The cocktails are truly unique to London. A particular favourite here is the Roasted Plantain Old Fashioned, with caramelised plantain, miso and Plantation 5.
NAC Mayfair
This French bistro with whitewashed bricks and a wood-panelled cocktail lounge is the most Instagrammable restaurant bar of the five and is perfect for an al fresco brunch on the terrace encased by elegant dark flower pots. The French fusion cuisine here is paired with cocktails from a menu that seeks to bring a little Paris across the channel and into the capital. Best of all, the wood panelled cocktail room is secretly hidden as a drinking den downstairs for a touch of fun. The Lady Grey cocktail is a specialty here made with Earl- Grey infused gin, champagne and notes of vanilla and peach.
La Bibliotheque
This is a restaurant bar where every aspect has been uniquely and thoughtfully curated to offer a memorable experience for guests. Alongside the unmistakable blend of modern flair and East London charm of the interior is a fantastic whisky library that is certain to draw in connoisseurs of the golden drop. A creative cuisine of Mediterranean and Japanese fused dishes offers plates to try and share with friends whilst sampling the delights of the menu titled, The Journey. With food and drink this exciting it seems well worth taking the first step on that journey too.
Leicester Square Kitchen
Leicester Square Kitchen is not just an incredible Mexican and Peruvian restaurant that offers small plates designed for sharing, it also serves delicious South American cocktails that pair nicely with every serving. From Pisco sours to special elderflower martinis, presenting a different twist on old cocktail classics as the perfect aperitif, there are plenty of options to suit every taste from the daring to the more casual cocktail drinker. The Picante Margarita is a speciality here, a smoky, spicy margarita with Tapitaio Blanco tequila, Ancho Reyes chilli liquor and smoked jalapeño agave syrup. It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted but it does offer a unique take on 21 st century mixology that can’t be matched outside South America.
Cocktails offer a chance to broaden your own tastes, learn about perfect pairings and even take part in the creation of the drinks themselves. In all of these excellent restaurant bars, the staff are extremely friendly, welcoming and willing to indulge any questions on how your drink is being so lovingly created. They often take a little time too. This is a great opportunity to soak up the surroundings and appreciate the effort that goes into making these places, and the products they serve, so special.
