The Rise of the Speakeasy: Discovering Cocktail Havens in the Unexpected
Who would’ve thought that the key to the best cocktails in London would be hidden behind an innocuous bookcase or a velvet curtain? Well, that’s exactly what I discovered on my quest to uncover the city’s cocktail renaissance. It’s like stepping into a different world – one where the drinks are as much of an art form as the ambiance.
I’ll never forget the day I stumbled upon Milroys of Soho. From the outside, it looks like your average whisky shop, but venture down a steep staircase and you’ll find yourself in a cozy, candle-lit haven known as The Vault. The brick walls are adorned with local art, and the dim lighting creates an intimate, almost conspiratorial atmosphere. Head bartender Chris Tanner greeted me like an old friend, eager to mix up a concoction that would transport me straight to the golden age of cocktails.
As I sipped on a fragrant Pandan Sour, made with pisco and peat, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder. This wasn’t just a bar – it was an experience, a journey back in time where the art of mixology reigned supreme. And it’s not the only one. Hidden in the backstreets of Fitzrovia, Murder Inc. is a gritty, gangster-themed speakeasy that serves up equally innovative libations, like the Death in the Afternoon – a Listerine-blue, Hemingway-inspired creation with a kick of ginger and agave.
Raising the Bar: Rooftop Revelry and Cocktail Expertise
But the cocktail renaissance in London isn’t confined to subterranean lairs. Step onto the rooftops, and you’ll find a whole new world of inventive mixology. At Kioku Bar in Whitehall, I was greeted by a staggering sake collection – the largest in Europe, no less. The bartender, full of passion and knowledge, guided me through their seasonal cocktail menu, each one more intriguing than the last. The Yuzu, a silky, citrusy delight, had me wishing I could linger all afternoon.
And just across the river, Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, paired with a menu that pushes the boundaries of traditional cocktails. From the Shiso Miso, a Japanese-inspired Old Fashioned, to the Earth Martini with its slice of vibrant beetroot, every sip is a revelation.
Embracing the Spirit of Sustainability
But it’s not just about the wow factor these days. Increasingly, London’s cocktail scene is embracing sustainability and zero-waste practices, redefining inventive mixology with a conscience. At Viajante 87 in Notting Hill, the team has committed to operating at 80% zero-waste, with plans to go fully sustainable as soon as possible. Their Smoked Earth blend features lacto-fermented vegetables like beetroot and purple carrot, spiked with smoky mezcal and served in a glass dusted with pink salt made from dehydrated vegetable scraps.
And over at Nine Lives in Bermondsey, the dedication to sustainable sourcing is evident in every sip. Disused speakers have been repurposed as planting boxes, and leftover citrus scraps are pH-balanced to help grow their own ingredients. The result? Cocktails that are not only delicious but also good for the planet, like the Moby Dick, a revelation of whisky, coconut, and salted caramel.
Elevating the Everyday: Neighborhood Bars with Global Flair
While the speakeasies and rooftop haunts captivate with their sense of exclusivity and drama, London’s cocktail renaissance is also being fueled by a new breed of neighborhood bars that are elevating the everyday drinking experience. Take Diddys in Hackney, for instance – a bright, cheerful space that draws a loyal local following with its expertly crafted Negronis and Margaritas. Or Little Mercies in Crouch End, where the team has collaborated with the Venning brothers (of the acclaimed Three Sheets bar) to deliver a menu of innovative tipples that pay homage to the area’s distinct personality.
These neighborhood gems are injecting a fresh energy into London’s drinking culture, blending global influences with a deep respect for locally-sourced ingredients. At Hacha in Dalston, for example, the focus is on mezcal and tequila, with a menu that showcases the versatility of agave spirits in everything from the Pineapple-Miso cocktail to the smoky, funky Moby Dick.
The Cocktail Connoisseur’s Playground
With so many exceptional bars redefining the art of mixology, it’s no wonder London has become a playground for cocktail connoisseurs. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Negroni or an innovative, sustainably-crafted creation, the city has something to tantalize every palate.
And the best part? The renaissance shows no signs of slowing down. As I sip my way through this vibrant cocktail landscape, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for what’s to come. Who knows what new frontiers of inventive mixology the bartenders of London will conquer next?
One thing’s for sure – I’ll be there, glass in hand, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this captivating cocktail story. After all, The Up & Under Pub is the perfect place to indulge in this cocktail renaissance, so I’ll be sure to stop by and see what innovative libations they have on offer.
