Now the Hixter bar in Southwark is good for lots of reasons. It’s stylish, chic, dark, sexy and it’s got a large sunken bar with low bar stools around it that make you feel the size of a giant and the bar staff the size of Oompa Loompas (although they’re much better looking, much friendlier and much better informed when it comes to creating and dishing up delicious drinks.)

The drinks are great, as you’d expect from a bar crated by Mark Hix, one of the leading lights of London’s restaurant and bar scene. A refreshing Innis Gunn Scottish lager, aged in whiskey barrels provided instant refreshment and banished thoughts of McEwans from my mind for ever.

As it was a cold, wet and windy night outside, and the faint whispers of Scotch were already floating around in my head, Marks Mr Nice cocktail followed, a warm, syrupy and fortifying mixture of peaty Talisker single malt whiskey, Pedro Ximenez sherry and orange bitters.

But back to the bar… what I really liked about it more than anything was that my mobile didn’t work within its basement boundaries. Which means no one to call with unwelcome requests to get on with work… and no calls about that PPI fortune that’s just waiting for you to claim. Instead you can just kick back, sink into a soft, welcoming leather sofa and take a break from the world outside as it rushes by.

Of course, the bar gets busy on occasions, as it should do… In trendy ‘Bankside’, formerly known as Southwark, it’s got everything a hipster would love – including a genuine bar billiards table. So, expect a certain degree of trendy beardiness, creative artistry and media luvviness. But that’s no bad thing, it’s bright young sparks like this that keep the London bar scene going strong. They may feel a little lost without their mobile connection, but there’s always WiFi, so they won’t get withdrawal symptoms while the rest of us enjoy our night of booze, billiards and bonhomie.

HIXTER BANKSIDE is at
16 Great Guildford Street,
SE1 0HS

 www.hixterbankside.co.uk

Tags: bars in london, Bars in SE1, Best Bars London, hixter bankside, mark his, marks bar

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Trailer Happiness has been winning many happy fans ever since it opened its doors in Portobello Road. You can see easily see why. To start with the staff and owners are so friendly and laid back you feel you’ve stepped into a support group rather than a bar. Albeit one with its own unique decor, vibe and supply of rum based beverages.

Because this is a Tiki bar, a perfectly formed example of a phenomena that somehow originated in the post prohibition California of the 1930s. Apparently, as an ever helpful waitress explained, some bars of the time began adopting a Polynesian vibe with bamboo furniture, exotic masks, kitsch pictures, loud shirts and rum based cocktails featuring the flavours of a variety of exotic fruits. Perhaps it was an attempt to brighten the gloom that the recent ban on alcohol had laid over the whole nation. More likely it was intrepid travellers bringing back and integrating the styles and tastes they had discovered during their sojourns in the South Pacific.

Trailer Happiness has resurrected the Tiki bar and taken it to a new level of tasty trendiness that leaves behind your Trader Vic’s of this world (although we can’t help but have a soft spot for Trader’s based solely on a childhood visit to the Hilton Hotel outpost on Park Lane that was so unbelievably different from 70s London it was like being on another planet)

You descend into its subterranean home to find low lighting and low comfortable seating ideal for a little slouching and supping of strong drinks. Trailer happiness, as a good Tiki bar, should, devotes itself to the finest in Rum based cocktails. The kindly barman, wearing a very fetching Hawaiian shirt that belied the cold wet weather, outside recommended a trailer Colada – literally smoking rum concoction, created with the help of a blow torch and served up in hollowed out coconut husk, adorned with a smouldering incense stick. This went down very well with my companion.

After a hard evening’s toil the previous night reviewing bar after bar in Borough I was feeling a little fragile and was kindly pointed in the direction of a Hemingway Daiquiri, which eschewed the traditional cocktail sweetness and replaced it with a little saltiness – apparently the perfect way to counteract the effects of a hangover. I think it worked. After a couple I certainly felt a lot better.

We arrived early and could have stayed very late. As the bar began to fill up we felt more and more at home, unfortunately duty called and more bars beckoned. But to paraphrase Arnold Schwarzenegger, another fan of loud Hawaiian shirts: “We’ll be back”

177 Portobello Rd
London
W11 2DY

www.trailerhappiness.com

Tags: bars in london, Best Bars London, Best Bars Nottinghill, Best Bars W11, Trailer Happiness, Trailer Happiness review

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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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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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We couldn’t say it better than they say it themselves… “Café by day, bar by night, fun things to do.”

It’s a simple recipe, but hey, it works so well. And in gorgeously kitsch retro surroundings. So, hats off to Kristie Bishop and Coralie Sleap who first opened Drink, Shop Do as a pop-up shop in a beautiful Kings Cross bath house in 2009.

One of the coolest, most compelling and downright tempting aspects of this great meeting and social spot is that everything you see is for sale from the art on the walls to the furniture to the products dotted around and on the shelves.

There’s always something going on, by day a café meeting pace perfect for afternoon tea and crumpets, by night a cool bar, with delicious, freshly made cocktails and dancing ‘til late on Friday and Saturday nights..

And, if that’s not enough and you want to get creative every night upstairs at Drink, Shop Do you’ll find fun things to ‘DO’ – with events ranging from Lego Robots to Play with Clay.

So much more than a bar… so engaging… so cute…. so get yourself down there and enjoy the experience. Drink Shop Do – best cool bars London winner.

Drink Shop Do
9 Caledonian Road,

Kings Cross,

London,

N1 9DX

www.drinkshopdo.com

Tags: Bars in Kings Cross, bars in london, Bars London, best bars, Best Bars in London, best bars in North London, Best Bars London, best cool bars London, Drink Shop Do

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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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The Freedom Bar is just chic and sophisticated enough to convince you you’ve come somewhere special – and friendly and fun enough to make you believe you belong here too.

We’re into bars, so we naturally gravitate towards the stylish upstairs bar, where happy hour reigns long and happy for 5 nights of the week.

The cream coloured banquettes are alluring enough when you can commandeer one. But that can prove difficult as many nights of the week, the trendy young media and fashion types of Soho and its surrounding areas congregate here to get the party started and leave all their pretentions behind.

And why not? It looks fab, the drinks are good value and taste good too – and when you’ve downed enough to get in the party mood you can make your way down the stairs to the club and dance the night away!

Freedom Bar 

66 Wardour Street,
London
W1F 0TA

www.freedombarsoho.com

Tags: bar reviews london, bars in london, bars in soho, Best Bars London, best gay bar, best gay bars, gay bars soho

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An inclusive, inspired, innovative institution on the London gay scene. Central Station is not loud, brash or in your face, but it is fun, friendly and forever ready to welcome everyone who just wants to have a good time in good surroundings. That’s why Central Station is one of our best gay bars London.

Tucked away behind Kings Cross Station you’ll find a bar and cabaret area on the ground floor featuring an eclectic mix of acts and events night after night from sultry singers to full blown drag queens and disco. There’s even a pool table if you feel the need to get sporty.

Upstairs there is a dining area with a tantalising roof terrace – the ideal place to while away a few hours with friends on a warm summer evening. The food is good, the drinks match it and while there may not be the most comprehensive cocktail menu you’ve ever seen, Central Station more than makes up for it with atmosphere.

There’s even accommodation available if you’re visiting and want a simple, stylish place to lay your head for the night.

Central Station 
37 Wharfdale Road
Kings Cross
London
N1 9SD

www.centralstation.co.uk

Tags: bar reviews, bars in london, Best Bars in London, best gay bars, best gay bars in london, central station

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