Any bar that has ‘and’ in the middle of its name is always going to have connotations of a big traditional boozer, or one of its modern, trendier incarnations. Rose and Crown, Slug and Lettuce… you get my drift.

So, it was a surprise to find the Shrub and Shutter is none of those things. In fact it was a surprise to find it at all, because it’s all too easy to walk or drive past a couple of times before you realize you’ve arrived at this gem of a bar in the heart of buzzing, bustling Brixton.

Now, I am fast coming to the conclusion that there are two kinds of ‘best’ bars – the glitzy grand hotel bar and the small, personal variety, run with love, attention and humour by owners and fellow bar lovers.

And that’s the Shrub and Shutter for you… small, but perfectly formed with delicious food and drink served by well-informed, friendly staff under the expert ownership of Dave Tregenza and Chris Edwards. All of whom are only too happy to talk you through the varied and creative cocktail menu featuring funny, fresh and frankly quite bizarre ingredients including gunpowder.

At the time we visited a new series of Game of Thrones was about to kick off and the Shrub and Shutter had created some specially themed cocktails to celebrate the occasion. So, more a case of GoT than G&T. Fortunately for me that meant a proper pewter tankard foaming at the top with majestically medieval ingredients.

We also tried a literally smoking, Milk of the Poppy with a Dragon’s Egg. All of this was complemented with plates of delicious bar food prepared in the impossibly tiny, but obviously very competent kitchen.

The bar quickly filled up as the evening wore on, so we were thankful we had arrived early and were warming up to stay late until we realized bedtimes beckoned. We will certainly return to Coldharbour Lane, because despite the address, the warmest of welcomes will be waiting.

336 Coldharbour Lane
Brixton
London
SW9 8QH

www.theshrubandshutter.com

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London is not just a city blessed with great bars. It’s a city brimming with clubs… from the old and esteemed such as Whites and Boodles, to the new and trendy such as Soho House and The Library. There are clubs for Ex Public School boys, artists, actors, writers, media types, motorists, bankers, directors, hipsters and heavy drinkers.

And there are still great, old established clubs that most people won’t know about, but which remain warm, welcoming and still very grand havens from the hustle and bustle of London life. The Lansdowne Club is one of these. Its delightful C18^th Robert Adam designed home close to Berkeley Square, was once owned by Gordon Selfridge, founder of the eponymous department store.

As a club with a penchant for the sporting world, one of its crowing glories, added shortly after it became a club in the 1930s, is an exquisite art deco basement swimming pool. Of course you ‘ll have to be lucky enough to have a friend who is a member – or to be a member yourself – to enjoy a plunge in their pool. If you do, you can then relax and reward yourself for your physical endeavours with a drink in their Aqua Bar.

The balcony of the Lansdowne Aqua Bar overlooks the 25 metre pool and both have been scrupulously maintained with all their stunning original 1930s features. While the Aqua bar offers a simple food and drinks menu, the view of the amazing pool with keen types ploughing lengths up and down is truly invigorating.

If you want a wider selection of high quality cocktails you can retire to the Lansdowne’s Round Room and if you need some sustenance to soak it all up a formal gourmet experience is available in the dining room.

So, we heartily recommend you cultivate a friendship with a member and experience life in clubland. And, if you can spare the quite reasonable membership costs and meet the entrance criteria, you could even make it a home from home in the heart of the West End.

www.lansdowneclub.com

The Lansdowne Club is at
9 Fitzmaurice Place
Mayfair, London
W1J 5JD

Tags: aqua bar, bar reviews, best swims london, lansdowne club, london bars

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They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But they didn’t take into account the poor souls who haven’t managed to drag themselves up in time for it. And that’s quite a lot of us come the weekend.

So, step forward brunch, the most important meal of the weekend. And possibly the whole week. One that combines the very best comforting food with the opportunity to drink restorative libations.

Which is why we found ourselves late on a Sunday morning at Powder Keg Diplomacy, a well loved local bar and restaurant on St Johns Hill near Clapham Junction. Here they have concocted the perfect recipe for a popular local hangout… warm, welcoming and stylish with just the right dash of Victorian colonial eccentricity. We turned up with kids in tow and were all welcomed in by the fun and friendly staff who were dealing with Sunday in a much more positive frame of mind than we were.

The bar is split into three areas, there’s a comfortable lounging around area at the front, a well stocked bar with booths lining the wall opposite, and then beyond the bar towards the back, a Victorian style conservatory area dotted with period tables and chairs. Seated in a comfortable booth we could see local denizens of all ages arrive for a combination of coffees, cocktails, beers, brunches and lunches.

Crispy bacon rolls wee ordered and devoured quickly. The ever-helpful staff. much to the kids delight, were also able to provide a couple of enormous Yorkshire puddings for them. Whilst they gorged themselves we spent our time perusing the many variations on a Bloody Mary that were on offer. If Bloody Mary’s are not to your taste then a wide selection of restorative cocktails were also on offer. The Espresso Martini, made with rum, coffee liqueur and fresh espresso was irresistibly tempting and suitable stimulating.

Brunch turned to lunch, during which large amount of roast beef disappeared, quickly washed down with craft beer. If the younger members of the party hadn’t needed exercising we may have even stayed longer… perhaps for my new invention which merges lunch with tea and which I have christened ‘Lafternoon’.

We left fully restored with firm intentions to return, not just for brunch, but to enjoy an evening of food, cocktails and colonial extravagance.

The Powder Keg Diplomacy is at 
147 St Johns Hill
SW11 1TQ

www.powderkegdiplomacy.co.uk

Tags: bar reviews, bars in Clapham, bars in st Johns hill, bars in SW11, Bars London, Best Bars London

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No whines about Dandelyan at the Mondrian. –

After a thoroughly enjoyable and educational Nikka whiskey club tasting at Vinopolis I decided to wend my slightly wobbly way along the Southbank towards Waterloo. As I passed the newly refurbished Sea Containers House my eyes were drawn to a beautifully stylish bar basking in full view behind floor to ceiling windows.

It was still early, the bar looked enticing and realising that this was the Dandelyan bar of the new Mondrian Hotel I decided to drop in for a stiffener before my journey home.

I was warmly welcomed by the bar staff, took a seat at the sumptuous, green marble bar and perused the cocktail menu. This offers a range of signatures cocktails carefully crafted to make the most of seasonal and herbal ingredients. The menu kindly guides you through cocktails split into cereal, vegetal, mineral and floral categories – and handily recommends which drinks suit which time of the day.

Award winning mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, AKA Mr Lyan, was a welcoming figure behind the bar, and along with his very well informed team, gave me chapter and verse on the origins and thinking behind the drinks. It was quite a challenge to choose, so I plumped for the first cocktail on the menu ‘Puffed Grains and Chocolate. This combination of scotch, curaçao, malted grains and pink pepper was at once uplifting, comforting and oddly reminiscent of coco pops.

It was also very moreish, but I resisted the urge to order another and settled for something different for my second drink. After much deliberation and discussion I decided to see if I could lay to rest the memory of two flavours that have not been too kind to me over the years. The first was tequila, the second was pine, which in my experience was associated with cheap retsina and mighty hangovers on backpacking Greek island hopping holidays. To that end I opted for the Elderfir from the vegetal selection, a combination of Douglas fir, Tapatio tequila, Kamm and Sons (a delicious citrusy, bittersweet British aperitif), grapefruit and elderflower.

Served in a small bottle, with the sprig of fir floating in its midst, this was most enjoyable. The tequila undertones were ever present but the influence of the fir was actually quite festive and reminded me that Christmas is coming and this stretch of the Southbank would soon be full of seasonal stalls and sparkly lights.

I would have loved to explore the menu further but the lure of home meant my investigations would have to wait for another day… and there will be another day as the combination of stylish, dark decor, delicious drinks, knowledgeable friendly staff and a great view across the river towards St. Paul’s will surely make Dandelyan a firm favourite for the future.

Dandelyan
The Mondrian Hotel
20 Upper Ground
SE1 9PD

www.morganshotelgroup.com/mondrian/mondrian-london/eat-drink/Dandelyan

Tags: bar reviews, bars in london, Bars in SE1, Bars in the Southbank, Best Bars in London, Best Bars London, dandelyan bar, Mondrian Hotel

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The romance of train travel is usually lost when you’re squeezed onto the packed 6.42 to Norbiton on an unseasonably warm autumn evening.

But why suffer the squeeze when you can idle away a few hours enjoying the happy hour and train-themed ambience of great bar? A bar like Carriage 34 in fact.

Situated just a stone’s throw from Waterloo Station on Lower Marsh, Carriage 34 is decked out with a row of booths along one wall that resemble a US train carriage – including moving scenery taken from a New York train journey.

It strangely fascinating, watching New York slip by as you sip your drink. And the drinks are good – with all your favourite cocktail standards like Mojitos and Margaritas, a range of very moreish Martinis and some specials thrown in too, like the Waterloo Brew and Soul Train

2 for 1 Happy Hour runs from Sunday to Friday from opening until 8… just enough time to relax before your journey home. The only problem is your departure may be delayed not by signaling works but by your desire to stay for just one more…

Carriage 34 is at
34 Lower Marsh
London
SE1 7RG

www.carriage34.co.uk

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Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town

To be honest we could almost give this bar the award just for its name. But if you’re looking for one of the best cool bars in London, what could be cooler than one that’s hidden behind a fridge door?

That’s where you’ll find the Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town. And here’s how to get yourself into our No.1 pick of the coolest, quirkiest bars in London.

First, give the guys and girls there a call to get yourself on the guest list. Then head to the Breakfast Club in Spitalfields. Once there say the magic words ‘I’m here to see the mayor’ to the staff.

They’ll lead you and your fellow bar lovers to the cool, white retro SMEG fridge. The door opens and behind it you’ll find stairs leading down to one of the very best of London’s new generations of speakeasies.

The trendy, slightly eccentric bar you’ll find down below – all exposed brickwork and eclectic adornments is a great place to hang out with the fun, friendly crowd. Cocktails are cutting edge, food is available to soak it all up and the music plays to late to keep the joint jumping. If this isn’t a cool bar, we don’t know what is.

Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town is at 

The Breakfast Club,
12 Artillery Lane,
Spitalfields,
London
E1 7LS

www.themayorofscaredycattown.com

Tags: bar reviews, Best Bars in E1, Best Bars in London, Best Bars London, best cool bars, best cool bars London, mayor of scaredy cat town

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It’s worth the trip to Putney to visit this outpost of outrageously juvenile fun, one of the best cool bars London.

Dedicated to a more carefree age – and we’re talking ages 5-15 not the 1960’s, The Toy Shop is an homage to happy childhood days, with a party atmosphere that even extends to party hats on Sunday lunchtimes!

Blindingly bright and brash, your senses will be assailed with turquoise and cream booths, brilliantly yellow chairs, and geometric wall patterns reminiscent of 80s video games.

Your senses will come under further attack, in a really, really, good way, by the terrific choice of themed cocktails that should bring back some happy memories – especially the massive sharer cocktails like Ralph’s Rocket and King of the Castle.

The food is pretty good too, with an emphasis on sharing. Check out The Toy Shop BBQ or Kung Fu Chicken.

There’s even a small private room for your very own party! Remember, don’t get too tired and emotional, throw any tantrums, or your toys out the pram in The Toy Shop. You don’t want to get barred from one of the best cool bars in London do you?

The Toy Shop – Best Cool Bars London
32 Putney High Street,
London
SW15 1SQ

www.thetoyshopbar.com

Tags: bar reviews, bars in london, Best Bars in London, Best Bars in West London, Best Bars London, Best Cool Bars in London, best cool bars London, Best quirky bars in London, cocktail bar, cocktails, cool bars in london, The Toy Shop

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As bars go, we often equate quirky with cool. But sometimes cool is just cool. Take Steve McQueen for example. There was just something about the guy that was effortlessly admirable. And a bar named and themed after him has just got to be cool too – even if it only by a process of Osmosis. In fact its so good McQueen makes it as one of the best cool bars London.

Thankfully in the case of McQueen, the bar, it’s not just cool by association. It’s cool by design. Not in a quirky, kitsch or eccentric way – but in a traditional masculine, laid back, slightly macho way. It’s all exposed brickwork again, dark wood, heavy leather chesterfield sofas and serious chandeliers.

The clientele is stylish and dressed for the occasion – whether they’re just supping carefully crafted cocktails in the lounge bar, eating in the highly acclaimed American cuisine restaurant or dancing in the boutique club with its emphasis on top quality DJs and sounds.

McQueen –  it makes you feel good just walking through the door.

McQueen Bar – Best Cool Bars London

55-61 Tabernacle Street,
Shoreditch,
EC2A 4AA

www.mcqueen-shoreditch.co.uk

Tags: bar reviews, Bars in East London, bars in london, bars in Shoreditch, Best Bars in London, best cool & quirky bars london, best cool bar london, best cool bars London, Best quirky bars in London, cool bars in london

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“And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?

Come to my arms, my beamish boy!

O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!’

He chortled in his joy”

Callooh Callay, named after a phrase from Lewis Carrol’s nonsense poem The Jabberwocky, has been making perfect sense since it opened back in 2008. So much so that it makes it on our list as one of the best cool bars in London.

Perhaps it’s because, while other bars rise and fall with the fickle tide of fashion, Callooh Callay still ploughs its own furrow. Perhaps it’s because quality never goes out of style – and a dedication to doing things right seems to be the first thing on the menu at Calloh Callay.

So, make your way to Shoreditch, find the innocuous entrance on a non-descript sidestreet and enter a world of cocktail make believe.

There are three bars to choose from, one reserved just for groups, one hidden behind a Narnia like wardrobe for a more intimate vibe and the main bar itself. But whichever you find yourself in, you’ll love the innovative, imaginative and inspired cocktails they produce (such as Chai Hard and Pea Ter Rabbit) and enjoy downing them in the superbly surreal surroundings.

A truly frabjous experience awaits you all at Calloo Callay..

Calloo Callay Bar 
65 Rivington Street
London
EC2A 3AY

www.calloohcallaybar.com

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This legendary London hangout has a history and glamour all of its own. It lays claim to being London’s first ever gay cocktail lounge. And while some may debate that, there’s no debating it’s appeal and popularity. That’s what makes The Shadow Lounge one of our best gay bars in London.

Still opulent, still enticing, still exclusive it’s still attracting a well-heeled and well dressed clientele out to have a good time. There are different themes on different nights, with the weekends given over to crowd pleasing international pop.

The décor reflects the disco vibe and the fibre optic ceiling throws light on the party atmosphere – and occasionally the odd celebrity or two. Remember, it’s ostensibly a members club, so if you definitely want to get in, grab a member, or get yourself on the guest list.

While it does have booths – and wonderfully hunky hosts and waiters this isn’t the place for a quiet drink or an intimate rendez-vous. It’s a place to bring friends, meet friends, down some serious cocktails, kick back and have glamourous fun. The Shadow Lounge – one of the best gay bars in London.

The Shadow Lounge 
Brewer Street,
London,
W1F 0RF

www.theshadowlounge.co.uk

Tags: bar review, bar reviews, bars in london, Bars in W1, best bars central london, Best Bars London, best gay bar, best gay bars london, gay bars, london bars, The Shadow lounge

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