About Time: 5 New Bar and Pub Openings in LondonBy Alicia Grimshaw
The city’s bar scene is exploding with a bunch of new stomp grounds that are anything but the same old, same old. Think of it as a wave of fresh vibes hitting the pub shores – no clichés, no dull moments. Here’s our new favourite places to sip, from a hidden hangout in East London to a blow-the-budget bar in Marylebone:
London Bar Launches: Now Open
1. For Sophisticated Cocktails: Nipperkin Bar
The Lowdown: Headed up by Bar Manager Angelos Bafas, Nipperkin Bar serves up a menu featuring in-house-distilled spirits. Angelos’ menu is a celebration of the best of British produce, with the drinks list showcasing the innovative flavours achieved by ingredients that are predominantly sourced, distilled, or harvested in the UK. Angelos’ beverage concept focuses on seasonality, locality and ethical approval of the environment, mirroring the ethos behind the restaurant’s culinary offering.
What to Drink: Designed to be simplistic, Nipperkin’s menu introduces some new and unexpected flavours, offering a unique perspective, extracting distinctive scents and profiles with each drink. Two standout creations on the menu include the ‘Aged’ Kelp, a blend of seaweed aged for half an hour, paired with fresh Norfolk mint alongside roasted Kent hazelnuts and the Black Mustard, a straight-up gimlet showcasing the versatility and boldness of British ingredients, including Dorset wasabi distillate mixed with Cotswolds apple eau de vie.
Where: 20 Berkeley St, London W1J 8EE
2. For a Subterranean Bar: Maroto
The Lowdown: Maroto is a new underground lounge and bar and the sister venue to the recently opened Brazilian restaurant, Bossa, which sees globally-renowned chef Alberto Landgraf at the helm.
What to Drink: Key tipples from the cocktail menu encompass the spirit of Brazil and include the ‘Basilao’, a hedonistic mix of Zeca de Mato Cachaça, Apple, Egg White, Basil, Lime, and Orange and the ‘Oba Oba’ which sees the perfect blend of Fernet Branca, JW Black Label, Ketel One, Mezcal Amores Espadin, Cointreau, Coke, and Lemon.
Where: 4 Vere St, London W1G 0DH
3. For a Whiskey-Led Menu: lowcountry
The Lowdown: Inspired by the American South and located below Joe Laker’s debut restaurant counter 71, lowcountry is a new bar highlighting American whiskey and its prominence throughout the ages.
What to Drink: With a drinks list devised by Savannah-born Ryan Sheehan, lowcountry’s ‘signature’ cocktails focus heavily on fat-washing, maceration, gelling and infusions whilst a ‘historical’ selection focuses on reviving forgotten favourites. Cocktails on the menu include: Hot Tomato (Tomato Water, Jalapeno infused Tequila, and Basil Oil with Salt); Fat-Fashioned (Bacon-washed Bourbon, Maple Syrup and creole Bitters); and Blueberry Manhattan (Blueberry-infused Whiskey, Sweet and Dry Vermouth).
Where: 71 Nile St, London N1 7RD
Photo credit: Rebecca Dickson
4. For an Independent Pub: The Earl of Derby
The Lowdown: Located at the foot of Telegraph Hill, The Earl of Derby has been reopened and restored to its former glory by Parched – a small independent group run by four friends who own the likes of The White Horse in Peckham, The Roebuck in Borough and Grove House Tavern in Camberwell.
What to Drink: Keeping things local to preserve the pub’s community charm, the Earl of Derby serves ales and beers from nearby breweries. On tap are the likes of Villages from Deptford, a gluten-free Helles lager from Brick Brewery in Peckham, and an alcohol-free Session IPA from Gipsy Hill Brewery. Alongside beers and ales, the Earl of Derby also have a concise list of organic and low intervention wines made by small producers.
Where: 7 Dennett’s Rd, London SE14 5LW
Photo credit: Paul Winch-Furness
London Bar Launches: Opening Soon
5. For Small Plates: Forza Wine
The Lowdown: Forza Wine, the South London rooftop venue known for simple, fun seasonal drinks, snacks and views is set to open a second site, bringing its inimitable energy to the National Theatre. The 160-cover indoor and outdoor space is set to open on 7th September and inhabit the north-west terrace of the famous Brutalist London landmark.
What to Drink: Dishes on the opening menu include firm favourite Cauliflower fritti with aioli, alongside mozzarella with figs & hazelnuts, pancetta potato cakes & pickled cabbage, and of course, their signature Soft serve. Cocktails will include classics, alongside a menu including serves such as a Cherry negroni, Limonata Bianca and a Frozen peach margarita.
Where: Forza Wine at the National Theatre, Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX
