Top 5: New Bar Openings in LondonBy Angelica Malin
Looking for a new watering hole in the capital? We’ve got your back. Whether you’re in the mood for artisan wines or hot toddies – there’s a new bar for everyone. Time to drink:
1. For a Wine Shop and Bar: Salon
The Lowdown: On Monday (13th November), Nicholas Balfe and his team will open the Salon Wine Store, stocked to the brim with low intervention, artisan wines, spanning the new and old world. Guests will be able to drink instore, take home or bring bottles into Salon’s downstairs bar and restaurant situated directly next door, for a small corkage fee.
Drink: Salon have worked closely with their suppliers, Indigo, Les Caves de Pyrene and Under the Bonnet Wines to curate a vast collection of over 100 sparkling, red and white wines for the store, all with a focus on small scale producers who farm their parcels with care and hand harvest their grapes. The Salon team will be on hand, well versed to recommend bottles to suit every taste, and a handful of tables and chairs will be outside in the market, for guests to enjoy a glass or two. Looking ahead to the new year, Salon will also be inviting wine experts and producers to the store for talks, tastings and collaborations.
Where: Salon, 18 Market Row Brixton, London SW9 8LD
The Lowdown: Brixton’s pub scene is about to take a turn for the best with the Hope and Anchor throwing open its doors on Friday (3rd November), following a total revamp. Previously the Grand Union, this famous Brixton venue will now feature Young’s premium drinks offering from craft ales and beers, to quality spirits and a stellar cocktail list.
Drink: Alongside classic cocktails, Hope & Anchor have also conjured up cocktails of their own like the Gin and Ginger with Warner edwards rhubarb, ginger ale, blueberry and lemon; Tipsy Tea – Hope and Anchor sweet tea vodka muddled with lemon and lemonade; and Maui’s fire with Mezcal, lime and chipotle. There’s also an extensive wine list featuring bottles from far and wide, and the outdoor garden is complete with Tiki Huts and a tequila bar, where the margaritas will keep flowing all-year round.
Where: 123 Acre Lane, Brixton, London SW2 5UA
The Lowdown: Vinoteca City, the wine bar, restaurant and shop founded by Brett Woonton and Charlie Young, has opened its doors in London’s latest foodie hub, Bloomberg Arcade. Inspired by the wine bars of Spain and Italy, Vinoteca City brings an exclusive Wine Ledger with a range of ‘off-piste’ wines, a fresh seasonal menu and laid-back all-day dining to the new Bloomberg European Headquarters, making it the perfect spot for post- work drinks and dinner.
Drink: Built on the belief that great wine should be obtainable to all, Vinoteca City’s comprehensive collection, sourced from countries all over the world, offers the very best in quality and variety at an accessible price point. With more than 200 varieties, including sparkling, reds, whites, sweet, fortified, and breakfast wines, several being from unique wine regions like Luxembourg, Slovenia and Germany, varied palates are covered with flair.
Where: 21 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR
4. For Latino Vibes: Bar Salsa!
The Lowdown: Soho staple Bar Salsa! has doubled their salsa spirit and have expanded to Temple, with the addition of a brand-new venue, a short walk from Embankment tube station. Formerly a Walkabout site, the new venue has been completely transformed into a sophisticated space, with influences taken from the original Bar Salsa! – bold, bright colours, traditional artwork and, of course, the perfect carnival atmosphere to salsa the night away.
Drink: The rich ingredients this continent champions not only makes for great food, but also for flavoursome cocktails that are hard to turn down. The Signature range offers bespoke drinks created and developed by the talented Bar Salsa! team, think refreshing Watermelon Samba to the Creamy Palomitas. Best news of all: everyday, Bar Salsa! roll out their Happy Hour from 5-8pm offering 50% off drinks.
Where: Temple Place, London WC2R 2PH
5. For Hot Toddies: The Allegory
The Lowdown: Located in the heart of new Shoreditch hotspot Principal Place, The Allegory brings the perfect everyday escape to London’s buzzing ‘Unsquare Mile’ this autumn. With chic industrial interiors, a beautiful open plan bar and a delicious signature menu, Drake & Morgan’s latest opening is the season’s go-to destination for clinking, drinking and dining.
Drink: Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day at the office or kick off the weekend in style, The Allegory’s signature cocktail collection has something to suit every occasion. Expertly mixed and muddled by London’s best mixologists, must-tries include the fiery and sour Calypso with Pamparo rum, Amaro di Angostura, lime, sugar and egg white; the Mezcalita made with mezcal, Cointreau, orange juice, lime and sugar syrup; or an Earl Martini with Earl grey-infused Ketel One vodka, Martini Bianco and orange peel. Hot toddies such as the Whisky & Spice & All Things Nice, with Jameson whisky, ginger, lemon and honey are warming tipples for the winter months.
Where: 1A Principal Place, Worship St, London EC2A 2BA
