London is brimming with cocktail bars, but not all are equal. If you're looking for somewhere to indulge in your favourite tipple, or try something completely new, then here's a round-up of five of the best cocktail bars in the city.
Dollar Grills and Martinis
Located in the fashionable Exmouth Market area of Clerkenwell, the large basement lounge at Dollar is a great place to relax with a cocktail or two. The extensive cocktail menu has something for everyone, from modern martinis, such as Rockstar Martini and Asian Pear Martini, to in vogue cocktails, such as Elixir and the Deluxe Dollar Mojito. In between, there are all your favourite classic cocktails and even a few virgin (non-alcoholic) cocktails too.
Where:
2 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4PX
Adventure Bar & Lounge
With three venues across London (the other two are in Balham and East Dulwich), the Adventure Bar & Lounge in Battersea is the smaller of the three, but it's packed with personality and renowned for serving up a fantastic selection of cocktails. They have all the classics on hand, made from premium quality ingredients, but true cocktail aficionados must try some of the Adventure Selections, like Mustang Sally, Umpa Lumpa and the fabulously sherberty Uncle Vanya.
Where:
91a Battersea Rise, Battersea, SW11
Garlic and Shots
If you're not adverse to a bit of garlic, or a gothic themed bar, then Garlic and Shots in Soho is the place to go for some more unusual cocktails. The cocktail menu lists 101 shots and, in amongst old favourites, like Northern Lights and Fly Me to the Moon, there are more garlicky alternatives, such as Bloodshot, Garlic Martini Shooter and Garlic Honey Dark Rum. There's plenty more garlic involved in every course of their menu, including the ice cream. Just don't go there before going on a date….
Where:
14 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4RD
Bar Chocolate
As the name suggests, this Soho bar has rather a penchant for chocolate. They specialise in offering some gorgeous chocolate cocktails, including the Chocolate Raspberry Martini, Bar Chocolate Martini, Cadallac and the rather inelegant sounding, Chocolate Slurp. In amongst all the chocolatey goodness, they have a good range of other popular cocktails too, plus some refreshing alcohol-free fruit cocktails.
Where:
27 D'Arblay Street, Soho W1V 3PF
Hush
This lovely cocktail lounge, brasserie and restaurant lives up to its name, as it provides a relaxing environment to unwind, away from the hubbub of Bond Street. Of course, it does get busy in its own right, but it's far enough away from the noisy streets to provide a more intimate atmosphere. The cocktail lounge is located on the first floor and serves a great selection of special cocktail creations and old favourites. The signature drink is Strictly Hush, a wonderful cocktail made from champagne, Chambord, raspberry puree and orange bitters. For parties, you can't beat the boudoir room.
Where:
8 Lancashire Court, Brook Street, Mayfair W1S 1EY
