London Fashion Week is kicking off and if you want to know where the party’s at ask BarChick.
The girls behind this global bar site write the official British Fashion Council LFW bar guide, so if you want to booze with the fashionistas these are some of the hottest bars to be seen in this season... Rumpus Room It’s official: the South Bank is sexy again. First came Dandelyan, then the Mondrian hotel and now there’s a rooftop hangout on top of Sea Containers house. The Rumpus Rooms serves up killer cocktails and amazing views of the river, no wonder it’s a favourite to London’s hottest crowd. As the city shines below you, sip on one of their champagne concoctions or hit the tiki-chic Pina Colada (no paper brollies in sight).
Sky Pod The newest baby in the sky-high gang, Sky Pod has become the place to dine and drink since it opened in January. This place isn’t just about that beautiful view outside; there’s a hell of a lot going on inside, too. Basically, it’s booze-filled botanical garden in the clouds and with mega restaurants and a cocktail bar to boot; no wonder everyone’s gagging to get in.
The Cocktail Trading Co. Hidden under Central & Co, this Soho playground goes big on experimental boozing and is making drinking fun again. Run by three of London’s best bartenders, we knew we’d be in for a treat, but CTC has exceeded expectation. The drinks do the talking with candyfloss and party popper garnishes, matcha tea and smoked marshmallow flavour innovations and cocktails disguised as Chinese take-out, obviously.
Shrub & Shutter A bit like hanging in your mate’s kitchen, this Brixton hotspot is more bottles, books and herbs than a swanky cocktail bar but that’s why it’s so brilliant. There’s no serious Sazeracs in here but their innovative cocktails are next level, unique and experimental. You’re gonna dig it.
City Social Great Gatsby’s got nothing on this swanky art deco-inspired hangout. Challenge your vertigo and bag yourself a table by the floor to ceiling windows - the view across London is almost as beautiful as the crowd that frequent the place. You can’t go wrong with any of their killer cocktails but, if you’re wanting to be on-trend, get your Italian game on with ‘Vermouth? You Can’t Handle the Vermouth’. Pun-tastic.
High Water Nothing screams ‘epic bar’ like finding a load of bartenders drinking there, and at High Water that’s exactly what you’ll get. All dim lights, old school glam and next level cocktails, this is the spot that London’s bartenders hit to wind down. When it comes to the cocktails, you’re in safe hands. Steer away from your usual classic, this place is all about experimenting.
Gong London’s most show stopping skyscraper is about more than the view (although, seriously, it’s ridiculous). Get up to London’s highest bar and soak up the Oriental vibes at Gong. The cocktail list is epic - the blue cheese Old Fashioned is a particular fave. The tables by the floor to ceiling glass windows, where you can watch London as it lights up for the night, are obvs the hottest seat in the house but up at the bar is where you’ll find BarChick.
Original Sin Happiness Forgets is always up there in the world’s best bar lists (unsurprisingly as it’s mega) but the new joint from the guys behind it is the new hot kid in town, and people know it. With awesome cocktails and great vibes, take a seat at the sleek long bar made of old whisky vats and order up. After a round or two of Highballs, rack up at the pool table, the game is on!
Bermondsey Arts Club Refurbing old public toilets into bars is the new foodie trend and this Southside spot is doing it so well that the journey across the river is oh-so worth it. With 1930s vibes, a marble-topped bar and some seriously killer cocktails, swing by around 11pm and get your party on.
For more bar recommendations visit BarChick.com or download the app.