Five London bars not to miss this January

We know, we know – after the excesses of the Christmas period the sensible thing to do is jump on the holier-than-thou bandwagon and go tee-total in the name of “dry January”. But really, isn’t January bleak enough? Back to work, the mercury plummeting and skies greyer than ever… So what about, instead of an extreme month of deprivation, embracing enjoyment in moderation? Or else you can still head out to soak up the atmosphere in a sophisticated drinkery and opt for a low or non-alcoholic beverage. Win-win! Here’s our list of some of the best bars from across the UK’s capital to try out as you dive headfirst into 2022.

Connaught Bar in Mayfair

Not only has the Connaught Bar in Mayfair been voted the best in the world for the last two years running, but it’s also been voted the best bar in Europe four times; a seal of approval if ever we heard of one. Designed by the late David Collins, this Cubist-inspired bar is known for its now legendary Martini trolley, where bartenders serve up a personalised drinks experience to guests as they mix up cocktails on the spot.

To book a table at Connaught Bar, 16 Carlos Place London W1K 2AL, call 020 3147 7251 or visit here.

Coravin Bar in Mayfair

For something completely different, why not try this pop-up bar from the innovative brand who have invented a way to enjoy wine by the glass without removing the cork from the bottle. Genius! On display at this temporary bar is their newest product which allows drinkers to not only sip on red, white or rosé without opening a whole bottle but to also give sparkling wine a try. With over 300 bottles to choose from, the venue has the largest by-the-glass selection of sparkling in the UK, allowing guests to try everything from Krug to Blanc de Blanc, before giving a Barolo or Bordeaux a go. Delicious.

To book a table at Coravin Bar, 4-7 Lancashire Court London W1S 1EY, call 020 3746 7697 or visit here.

Untitled Bar in Dalston

Despite what you may think, not all high-end bars are only to be found in Mayfair, Soho or Shoreditch: ultra-hipster Dalston has also developed a great scene for top mixologists, boasting two world-class bars within walking distance of one another on the infamous Kingsland Road: Untitled Bar and Three Sheets. The former from cocktail alchemist Tony Conigliaro features an avant-garde Warhol-inspired space with a big communal table at its centre and serves up short, strong drinks that are like mini art installations themselves by the names of Snow, Violin and Sicily. Edgy indeed.

To book a table at Untitled Bar, 538 Kingsland Road London E8 4AH, call 0784 102 2924 or visit here.

Lyaness in South Bank

Cocktail guru and innovator Mr Lyan runs one of the most important bars on the ever-appealing stretch of the Thames, the South Bank, called Lyaness. The award-winning venue’s latest menu, the Lyaness Cookbook, put a focus on its core ingredients, which are all exclusively created using unique processes, such as Oyster Honey, which features in their Marigold Gimlet cocktail, or Blood Curaçao, which can be found in their Blood Brown Derby alongside Maker’s Mark. They must be tried to be believed. 

To book a table at Lyaness, 20 Upper Ground London SE1 9PD, call 020 3747 1063 or visit here.

Heads and Tails Bar in West Hampstead

If you’re in North West London, then Heads and Tails is undoubtedly the best bar you can find. The brainchild of industry experts Will Partridge and Chris Dennis, it offers two distinct moods in two distinct spaces, as hinted at by its quirky name. Heads is the bright spot on the ground floor with pastel palettes for decor and cocktails based on clear spirits, such as Negroni Sbagliato and West End Spritz. Meanwhile underground, there is Tails: louder music and a solid wood bar add to the impression of a hideout and here the drinks are aptly based on the dark spirits. Trust us, the Sunset Boulevardier is a great place to start.

To book a table at Heads + Tails, 175 West End Lane London NW6 2LH, call 07926 968 335 or visit their website here.

The food desk