LONDON > DRINKING
EATING / AFTERNOON TEA / SHOPPING / SEEING / SLEEPING
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1. Aqua Shard
Fell in love at a New Year’s Eve party in 2015, met her folks for tea in 2016, and am currently planning my engagement party for late 2017.
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2. The V&A Cafe
“The world’s oldest museum restaurant”.
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3. Experimental Cocktail Club
It’s always a choice between two joints. The empty bar where a “proper conversation” can ensue and the bar with so much life inside you get a charge from just standing in the entranceway. Secretly, we’re always in want of the latter.
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4. Duck & Rice
The friend of yours who loves beer; you know the minimalist fashioned with an ingrained cynicism towards anything that crosses the “too fancy” threshold? We’ll she’s sussed out the beer selection and has exclaimed “oh they have that here” at least five times so you know you have her blessing.
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5. The Natural Philosopher
Which came first, the ability to set apart a good cocktail or the ability to appreciate a good drinking glass? Put yourself to the test, as the ancients before you, and see what you recognise first when a drink is placed before you.
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6. Cahoots
At this point, you realise no cocktail bar is without its theme. You’re not alone in your Shoreditch acquired vintage; all the ladies look glamorous, and the men debonair. You feel like you’re on a period film set. While the invitation did say to wear your best 40s fashion, it didn’t say anything about whether or not to be in character…
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7. Sager + Wilde (formerly Mission)
Where no one need feel intimidated by wine, and prices. Cocktails start at £6, and you can enroll in wine school for £15. When founder, Michael Sager-Wilde said it was important that like-minded people, a lot of whom don’t have lots of money to spare, were able to enjoy his restaurant, he followed through – more than what most politicians would do for their people.
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8. The House of St. Barnabas
Here, the feel good factor of drinking extends beyond the effects of alcohol. The not-for-profit aims at reintegrating homeless Londoner’s into society through mentorship. Tell the friends you’re visiting you’d like a drink at the member’s club Saturday evening – they always pull off pulling strings.
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9. Hoxley & Porter
Where I come so my Birds of Feathers bag can feel at home. While Cahoots mimics the Underground, Hoxley & Porter emulates a 19th century, luxury train carriage.
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11. Galante
Where we imagine very troubled child Stephen Fry would have come to toast the fact bartenders are called bartenders here and not mixologists. The bar’s namesake, the most recognised bartender in Argentine history, established this maxim by stating: “You’re a bartender. No-one says “Hey, mixologist”.
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12. Gordon’s Wine Bar
London’s oldest tavern, where time has effectively stood still… that you can now follow on Instagram!
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13. Royal Exchange Grand Cafe
When you think of Queen Elizabeth I you picture her in armour, giving the Speech to the Troops at Tilbury, not awarding The Royal Exchange a licence to sell alcohol.
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14. Dirty Martini
Haven’t found Mrs. Right? Dirty Martini is where to find your special cocktail. Mind you, with each and every cocktail dressed up to aesthetic perfection, it’ll be hard to find your match without first trying them all.
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15. Mahiki
Frequented by A list celebs, and patroned by at least two young royals, if you approach this warped Hawaiian luau knowing not to place high expectations on the cliquish crowd, you’ll have a blast getting down to good, classic rock and roll.
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16. Artesian Bar
Upstaged by your cocktail? At the world’s best bar, yes (unless you’re also clad in a fur collar).
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17. Night Jar
Yes, finally, a jazz bar. While the other period inspired bars on our list are the grand old dames, Night Jar is the rebellious youth where you can afford to let your hair down yet still have a gorgeous, artisan cocktail.
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18. Dandelyan
Two time bartender of the year winner and founder, Ryan Chetiyawardana, went with the botanical “secret” garden theme for his bar and cocktail concoctions. Just as informative as a visit to Kew Gardens, Dandelyan provides what many private conservatories would not; the opportunity to expand your taste memory through its cocktails. Plus, perfect views of St. Pauls and Unilever House.
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19. Paul Hamlyn Hall Champagne Bar
You’ve just seen the first act of your favourite ballet at the Royal Opera House and your instinctively head for a glass of chilled champagne to complement your ripe emotion.
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20. Happiness Forgets
A small, basement establishment; with its great, attentive staff, Happiness Forgets is proof that good service is key to attracting a regular crowd. Take heed and reserve a table now if you don’t want to wind up at a lookalike, runner up, Shoreditch speakeasy.
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21. Aqua
The opening of the rooftop terrace season at Aqua Spirit heralded the propensity of afterwork drinks. On a clear day be sure to nab seats before the suits do to ensure you’re able to watch the beautiful s̶u̶n̶s̶e̶t̶ art of Londoners unwinding.