Sip summer: Ten London bar menus and happenings

As the radiant sun blesses the city of London, it’s all too easy to fall back on the comfortable familiarity of a classic pint at your local or nestle into your favoured nook at a beloved watering hole. Indeed, the well-trodden path of routine can be comforting, but dare we suggest that sometimes a little flavourful disruption can be quite the heady tonic? This summer, we propose a toast to the new, the bold, and the refreshing. We’ve sought out some of the city’s most tantalising new bars, innovative menus, and electrifying cocktail events, certain to put the fizz back in your tipple. Each one is a carefully crafted experience designed to disrupt your usual drinks routine with an exhilarating splash of novelty. Whether you’re a discerning cocktail connoisseur or simply a curious explorer of tastes, these places offer a unique sensory journey, guaranteed to keep your drinking ventures from falling flat.

Tokyo After Dark: Culture, art and whisky

Embrace the vibrant heart of Japanese nightlife this June with Glenfiddich’s Tokyo After Dark at Harrods. This immersive art installation, brought to life by the Japanese-inspired ceramicist King Houndekpinkou, is a perfect blend of Scotland and Japan. Delight in the limited-edition Glenfiddich 29-Year-Old Grand Yozakura, a single-malt Scotch whisky finished in rare ex-Awamori casks. This whisky is an ode to Hanami, the Japanese tradition of cherishing the ephemeral beauty of sakura (cherry blossom). The installation is a luxurious reimagining of a traditional Japanese bar, the izakaya, infused with King’s experiences and inspiration from Hanami. Take your whisky journey further with a visit to Baccarat Bar, serving the Grand Yozakura and other exceptional Glenfiddich cocktails.

To book a table at Baccarat Bar visit their website here.

Margarita Rumble: A carnival of mixology 

Taking place at Hackney’s Two More Years on 22^nd July, Margarita Rumble brings together the city’s top mixologists in a thrilling competition to find the UK’s best take on the Mexican classic. Savour the rich variety of tequila cocktails, crafted using Jose Cuervo, as ten experts vie for the title. For £37.50, guests can indulge in unlimited margaritas, enjoy DJ’s, dancing skeletons and a lively festival atmosphere. Tequila masterclasses and cocktail workshops further elevate the event, making it an unforgettable experience for margarita enthusiasts.

To join the Margarita Rumble visit their website here.

Din Tai Fung: A refreshing cup Taiwanese culture steeped in summer vibes

In Din Tai Fung’s new summer drinks menu, the rich flavours of Taiwanese tea take centre stage. Available at its three London locations, the menu features six unique cocktails and three tantalising mocktails. From the Matcha Cabana, a captivating fusion of dark rum, coconut Bacardi, orgeat syrup, matcha, and lime, to the Sour Haze, a playful twist on the classic pisco sour, there’s a pairing for every palate. Din Tai Fung’s unique non-alcoholic options include the Passionfruit Punch and Guava Sling. The new drinks menu perfectly complements Din Tai Fung’s iconic dishes, making it the ideal destination to cool off this summer.

To enjoy the new menu at Din Tai Fung, visit their website here.

The Landmark London: A grand champagne bar under a glass atrium

The Landmark London adds a touch of grandeur to its array of amenities with the introduction of a luxury champagne bar. As part of a £1.3m refurbishment, this modern yet timeless space finds its home on the Garden Terrace, nestled beneath the hotel’s iconic glass atrium. The new bar brings an opulent guest experience, offering an extensive selection of champagne and seafood-themed small plates. The place transforms into a unique High Sea High Tea venue on weekends, adding a unique touch to the traditional afternoon tea.

To book a spot at The Landmark London’s new champagne bar, visit their website here.

Middle Eight: Theatre-inspired cocktails in the heart of London

Middle Eight, a luxury hotel ideally located in London’s theatreland, has launched A Sip of Theatre, an innovative cocktail menu crafted by head mixologist Maurice Lawrence. Combining theatre and music influences, the menu takes guests on a sensory journey through Lawrence’s childhood memories. Focused on high-quality ingredients, the menu brings the theatrical essence to life with cocktails that tell captivating stories. The cocktails can be savoured either at the hotel’s bar area or at Sycamore Vino Cucina, the hotel’s restaurant.

To book a spot at Middle Eight visit their website here.

Postcards from Swift: An immersive, around-the-world cocktail journey

Swift, the award-winning Soho cocktail bar, announces its latest cocktail menu, Postcards from Swift. Each of the 20 drinks is designed to transport guests to different corners of the globe, evoking nostalgic memories and warm feelings. Collaboratively curated by the team, each cocktail embodies a specific time, place and flavour inspired by personal memories, enhanced with original artworks by illustrator Helena Bonastre. From the streets of Singapore to New York City, Postcards from Swift offers guests a unique, sensory journey across the world.

To book a spot at Bar Swift visit their website here.

Maroto: A vibrant late-night venue offering exceptional music and luxury dining

Maroto, an anticipated late-night bar and lounge club, is set to launch at the intersection of London’s iconic Marylebone and Mayfair areas. Operated in partnership with Bossa, a new Brazilian restaurant by two-Michelin-starred chef Alberto Landgraf, Maroto promises a unique combination of sophisticated bar offerings, late-night dining experiences and electrifying musical performances. The venue’s interior echoes a bohemian atmosphere with plush furnishings and artistically patterned decor, designed to complement the live DJ performances and create a truly immersive nightlife experience.

To book a spot at Maroto visit their website here.

Nightjar Carnaby: An exclusive summer pairing menu

Soho speakeasy Nightjar Carnaby presents a unique summer cocktail and canape pairing menu. Available every Tuesday to Saturday, the menu features inventive pairings such as Spring (Yorkshire punch and edamame hummus) and Indian Summer (Lei Lani Volcano and sandos). This summer culinary experience is available for £45 per person and vegetarian options are available for plant-based patrons.

To book a spot at Nightjar Carnaby visit their website here.

Sky Garden: Havana music nights with Cuban cocktails

London’s Sky Garden partners with Havana Club for Havana Music Nights. Every Tuesday, guests can enjoy rum-infused cocktails and live Cuban music on the 35^th-floor garden oasis. The ticket, starting from £23.50, includes a complimentary welcome drink. Book your spot for an evening of Cuban rhythms amidst London’s spectacular cityscape.

To book a spot at Sky Garden visit their website here.

Gothic Bar: A Neo-Victorian cocktail experience

Nestled in the Victorian edifice of Midland Grand, the Gothic Bar offers an exquisite cocktail experience, curated by renowned mixologist Jack Porter. This intimate destination bar, featuring an opulent Toro-designed interior, brings a fresh revival of classic cocktails infused with the robust flavours of Eau de Vie. Drinks like the customisable Eau de Martini and seasonal Grand Royale are paired with delectable French-inspired snacks. Open until 2am on weekends, Gothic Bar is the latest cultural hotspot for late-night readings, live music and lingering conversations. 

To book a spot at Gothic Bar visit their website here.

Food Desk