Today I was accosted by one of those annoying banner ads that we all suffer in return for the wonder of the Internet. It proclaimed the delights of Royal Caribbean Cruises, and in particular their latest innovation, the robotic barman.

Imagine… your drinks served by a faultless technological marvel. The perfect pour every time, the perfect measure, all in perfect proportion.

Will wonders never start?

Because for me the very idea of a robotic barman, which basically comprises the kind of bionic arm you would normally associate with a car factory, is a nightmare akin to prohibition.

No barman! That means no Moe from The Simpsons, no Sam or Woody from Cheers, no Rick Blaine from Ricks Café American for god’s sake…

A robot… I mean really. Will it know the names of your kids? Will it help you drown your sorrows when you’ve been dumped? Will it tell you when you’ve had enough? Will it know what your usual is? Will it every take a drink as a tip?

Robots arms… great for bomb disposal, lunar explorers, hazardous waste and Steve Austin, the bionic man. For a bar? Forget it.

If you want technology in your bar, you’d be better off pursuing other avenues. Like the clever guys at Lick Me I’m Delicious are doing. Their crazy inventions are really pushing the boundaries of wild and wacky food engineering.

To start with they’ve developed the Edible Mist machine, which looks like something out of a science fiction film… with a neon light shining out from beneath a domed metal ‘head’. You wouldn’t be surprised if it said ‘Take me to your leader’.

It uses ultrasonic vaporization to create a micro-mist infused with the flavour of just about anything you fancy – including gin, whisky, vermouth, rum, brandy and lots more. It’s a really smoking invention… the only drawback being the booze flavours are just that – flavours and don’t actually contain alcohol.

But don’t panic. They have also created the amazing Levitron, which, as the name suggests, levitates tiny droplets of real drinks, such as a gin and tonic, into the air ready for you to pluck out and drink, like a spaceman in zero gravity.

Now’s that’s totally terrific technology. So, move over Martinis made by Metal Mickey, let’s give some love to Lick Me I’m Delicious.

Check out Lickmeimdelicious at

www.lickmeimdelicious.com

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Gilbert Scott sounds like a Victorian expletive in the fine tradition of ‘Gordon Bennett’ and ‘What the Dickens’. Which is particularly apt – because it would be perfectly natural to utter a powerful exclamation of wonder once you enter this stunning bar and restaurant through the heavy revolving doors that mark the entrance.

The decor really is breathtaking. Mere words can’t do it justice… the bar which you enter is toweringly tall ceilinged and packed with glorious gold leaf, gilt and fin de siècle glamour. Steps ahead of you lead up to the restaurant, but why go further than the bar? On your left you’ll find comfortable seats to sink into while supping your selected cocktail. On the right stands the bar itself, a beautiful construction of dark metal, gleaming glasses and many hued spirit bottles

The staff are dutiful, the drinks delightful. My pocketful of rye bourbon-based cocktail was very, very moreish, as was the delicious smoked butter and paprika popcorn that kindly accompanied it. But it’s difficult to concentrate on the drinks and nibbles when you’re surrounded by such amazing décor. With an ornate, eastern influenced painted ceiling punctuated at each end with vast golden, bell shaped chandeliers you can’t help but stare in amazed delight and imagine yourself in a bygone era of decadence.

If you’re wondering who Gilbert Scott was, well Sir George Gilbert Scott to give him his full name, was the man who designed Kings Cross Station – and the Albert Memorial – both shining examples of splendid Victorian Gothic revival architecture

St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Euston Rd
London
NW1 2AR

www.thegilbertscott.co.uk

Tags: Bars in Kings Cross, bars in NW1, Bars in St Pancreas, best hotel bars london, cocktail bars london, cocktails, gilbert scott, Hotel bars london, St Pancreas Rennaissance hotel

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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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Sometimes, nothing else than sheer luxury will do when you want to impress your date. And what says luxury better than The Savoy?

Now, most run of the mill punters will think of The American Bar when you say the words ‘Savoy’ and ‘bar’ together. But if you want romance, if you want real luxury, if you want intimacy, if you want entertainment, then say the words ‘The Beaufort Bar.’ You might also want to say “The American Bar? That’s just for tourists…” to make yourself sound extra knowledgeable.

Fittingly for a bar built on the hotel’s original cabaret stage, the Beaufort Bar has a deliciously decadent art deco feel that features £38,000 worth of glorious gold leaf.

Drinks are frighteningly expensive too, but excellent. There’s a sublime choice of vintage and non-vintage champagne available by the glass or bottle and a small but truly excellent cocktail list with character cocktails such The Blue Angel, named in honour of Marlene Deitrich and Ol’ Blue Eyes named in honour of Frank Sinatra.

But what really sets the Savoy’s Beaufort Bar apart as one of the best romantic bars in London is the live entertainment. Every evening you’ll find live music from both renowned and up and coming talent. But if you’re looking for something really special, book a table for one of the monthly cabaret or burlesque evenings and transport you and your date back to a forgotten era of ravishing romance.

The Savoys Beaufort Bar 
The Strand
London
WC2R 0EW

www.fairmont.com/savoy-london/dining/beaufortbar/

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Making your date feel comfortable is an essential pre-requisite of a romantic night out. Making them feel special also helps. Making them feel like they’re in an episode of a period English drama – all Georgian architecture, perfect proportions and delightful décor – might just seal the deal.

That’s what you get in the Cocktail Lounge at the Zetter Townhouse. The elegant, charming design is themed around ‘Aunt Wilhelmina’, an eccentric, well travelled and entirely imaginary character whose collection of artefacts – gathered from years of globe-trotting – adorns the room.

The cocktail bar itself is under the direction of a renowned mixologist, or as we like to call them, barman. The distinctive and decidedly delicious cocktails pay homage to an age of empire where wild and wonderful ‘medicinal’ ingredients were gathered from the four corners of the earth… so look forward to tinctures, infusions, cordials and bitters to add intrigue to your imbibing.

First class food is also available from award-winning chef Bruno Loubet.  And, as the Zetter Townhouse is also a truly bewitching boutique townhouse hotel, there are rooms if you want your romantic evening to extend to a ravishing night.

Booking a table in the bar is recommended so you can sit back, relax, enjoy the atmosphere, watch the well-heeled clientele and wait for the magic to work

Zetter Townhouse
49-50 St John’s Square
London

EC1V 4JJ

www.thezettertownhouse.com

Tags: bar reviews, Best Bars in London, Best Bars London, best romantic bar london, best romantic bars london, cocktails, Wine, Zetter Townhouse

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Any bar that not only won the crown of World’s Best Bar in 2012, but defended it successfully in 2013 and 2014, deserves to be on our list. As hotel bars go, The Artesian Bar at The Langham Hotel has exactly what it takes to be one of the best hotel bars in London. The beautiful décor, designed by David Collins, exudes comfort and luxury with lots of lilac leather, white curtains and a breathtaking mirrored pagoda bar.

It’s not just the bar that has won awards, the staff have too, with head barman Alex Kratena leading the way, ably supported by his No.2. Simone Caporale. As you’d expect the cocktails are exceptional. But surprisingly for a bar so firmly anchored in the bosom of 5 star luxury, there’s a real sense of fun too. Highlights of the innovations menu include skulls, pandas and aroma filled balloons.

But if there’s one thing that sets the Langham apart from other some other high end hotels, it’s the exceptional levels of service that leave you feeling pampered and spoilt, but never overwhelmed or intimidated. The Langham? It’s simply lovely.

The Artesian Bar – Best Hotel Bars London
The Langham Hotel 
1C Portland Place
London,
W1B 1JA

www.artesian-bar.co.uk

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