There’s really no dearth of places to wet your whistle in London. From plush hotel bars and sky-high drinking dens, to clandestine speakeasies or just a cosy local, everybody’s bound to have their particular preferences on this one.
As for me, I’ve always frequented those watering holes which whet my appetite too. Here’s a round (up) of a few of my favourites…
Fogg’s Gin Parlour
I’m sure by now, you’re well acquainted with my dear friend, the great British explorer, Phileas Fogg Esq. and the story behind his Gin Parlour in Covent Garden.
Well here’s a bit of news: the elegant yet charmingly-quirky drinking salon has just launched the Encyclopedia Gintonica – an impressive menu showcasing one of London’s largest gin collections with over 300 varieties sourced from all over the world, alongside a range of tonics and botanicals.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIVsexaAs_7/?taken-by=the_foodiediaries
As for the bill of fare, there’s a small but incredibly hearty selection of bar bites on offer including cheese boards, beetroot and goats cheese rarebits and roast potatoes…
And in typical Fogg’s fashion, you can expect a G&T Tipsy Tea on the weekends too. Having rather enjoyed the previous theatrical-themed tea here, I don’t doubt I’ll be making my way back for a cuppa gin tea over a scrummy spread of Victorian tea-time fancies!
Full lowdown, here.
1 New Row, Covent Garden WC2N 4EA
Jinjuu
As regular readers might recognise, I’ve always been a bit partial to Jinjuu too – the modern Korean restaurant from Judy Joo (ex-executive chef at the Playboy club).
The trendy bar here is always an infallible choice for a quick tipple (or two)… Executed with creative flair, many of the heady concoctions feature Korea’s most popular spirit, soju – a smooth, clean-tasting liquor which adds a sharp balance to the lush sweetness of the cocktail.
While the menu quite conveniently includes an “Anju selection” of food that pairs particularly well with drinks. Think golden, crispy fried chicken and gloriously deep-fried melt-in-your-mouth tofu sliders, served up with generous lashings of Korean sauces!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGaHD4uIROY/
Jinjuu, 15 Kingly Street, W1B 5PS.
Chez Chow
Cosy corners, vintage vibes and the best cookies in London-town…
… Are just a few good reasons why I’m always drawn back to Chez Chow.
A tiny space with heaps of character (it was inspired by and named after “Teddy the Chow Chow” – one of the owners’ pets) , this is a speakeasy-style bar, tucked away below one of my favourite neighbourhood spots, North Audley Cantine.
More deets, here.
41 North Audley Street, London W1K 6ZP
Christopher’s
Of course, if you’re really hankering for something sweet to go with your cocktail (or something sweet in the form of a cocktail), then a visit to Christopher’s in Covent Garden is always a good idea for their indulgent range of martinis paired with drool-worthy desserts.
And if you head over before 30th August, don’t forget to have a go at playing Cocktail Roulette – roll a six when ordering a Contemporary Martini and it’s on the house!
Christopher’s, 18 Wellington St, London WC2E 7DD
And then there’s one for all ye wine lovers…
Social Wine and Tapas
This Marylebone-based venture by Jason Atherton is a tapas restaurant, wine bar and shop, where every waiter is a sommelier, and for bar bites you can expect inventive tapas dishes borne out of the best of British produce…
https://www.instagram.com/p/4j9PbsIRCY/
Situated away from the madding crowd of Oxford Street, it’s the perfect spot for cooling your heels over a relaxing glass of wine from their eclectic selection, and a ridiculously-moreish plate of padron peppers!
Full review, here.
39 James St, London W1U
Which are your favourite places to both eat and drink, in London?
Mr Foggs is one of my favourites! I still need to try Social Wine and Tapas.
I’m sure you’d love it Angie! We never got to have our catch up , must plan for as soon as I’m back please 🙂 xx
I have never even heard of a Encyclopaedia Gintonica – how exciting! Fantastic list of London bars! ♡
Thanks Miriam! If you’re a gin lover, I’d definitely recommend checking out this new menu at Fogg’s Covent Garden 🙂
Recently went to Mr Foggs in Mayfair and LOVED it – they didn’t have any mocktails listed on the menu but the one they concocted was bloody marvelous! Also LOVE the food at Christophers and Social Wine/Tapas
Mmm Sunday morning has me dreaming of *that* French Toast at Christopher’s! Btw I’m sure they can easily make you a non-alcoholic version of their Nutella martini, one to try for next time 😉 xx
I keep meaning to try Mr Fogg’s but still haven’t got round to it yet. I’ve been for brunch at Christopher’s and the pancakes and French toast were to die for so I can only imagine how good the cocktails and desserts would be!
Oooh you’ve got to get yourself over to Fogg’s soon – it’s such fun! You’d definitely love the dessert-based martinis at Christopher’s too, in fact perhaps we should plan our next catch-up there?! X
I live in London, I’ll check some of these out 🙂
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Hope you enjoy them as much I did! Xx
The only bar I’ve tried on your list is Christopher’s which I loved but definitely keen to try the others. Those crushed milk chocolate cookies look amazing!!! X
Oh my gosh, you’d absolutely love the milk chocolate cookies – they pair really well with the old fashioned cocktails too! Xx