I’ve recently rediscovered an old favourite of mine… A spirited drinking and dining destination off Regent Street, with rooftop vistas across central London.

The perfectly crisp weather of late presented the perfect opportunity to enjoy the spoils of the Hanging Gardens of Aqua Kyoto, whilst things took a spookily glamorous turn this Halloween at the adjoining Spanish-inspired bar, Aqua Nueva…

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While the terrace at Aqua Kyoto has long since been a favourite for drinking wine in the sun, it’s held a certain zen-like charm this autumn too, perfectly capturing that amber glow spreading its sheen across the city…

The tipples here reflect the Japanese focus of the venue – I especially enjoyed the Citrus special for London Cocktail Week earlier this month, infused with yuzu sake for a zingingly heady touch! We paired the fabulously light and bright cocktails with a beautifully presented selection of sushi and sashimi…

… Before charging past the blue Pamplona bull hovering majestically at the connecting corridor leading into Aqua Nueva – a more moody space overlaid with rich details evocative of Spanish culture. Think  dark wood, copper ceilings, mosaic floors and a striking marble-topped bar at the centre!

Here we enjoyed inventive paprika-spiked sweet-and-smoky cocktails and a modern reinterpretation of traditional Spanish tapas, artfully textured yet comfortingly satisfying…

With all the makings of a relaxed yet cracking night out, the venue proved to be quite a draw for this year’s Halloween celebrations too, with the promise to #MeetTheWidow of Veuve Clicquot… (The Grand Dame of champagne who on her her husband’s death, turned around his wine business by pioneering early champagne using an innovative technique).

The familiar space had been fittingly transformed, bewitchingly imbibing a sense of gothic glamour…

It was a hauntingly good evening complete with all the Veuve Clicquot (incidentally, one of my favourite brand of bubbles) and spooky concoctions, with a good spell of entertainment woven in too, from a roving magician to a Silhouette artist who cut out a lovely memento of the evening!

I’d definitely recommend either/ both of the bars – Aqua Kyoto and Aqua Nueva – for the next time you’re looking for a vibrant and well-paced night on the town, whether just for drinks and a nibble, or to get into the spirit of things with their ongoing themed events!

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Aqua Kyoto / Aqua Nueva, 5th Floor, 240 Regent St, London W1B 3BR

I was a guest of Aqua London, but all views are my own.