Bars are a dime a dozen in big cities; the options seem to be endless. But Wildcatters are always on the prowl for new experiences that can “wow” us. If you are a cocktail lover, then London is a great place to step inside the world of inventive and contemporary concoctions. Each unique in their own way, these six bars take atmosphere, taste, and most of all, the art of presentation, to a level beyond.
1. Nightjar
A speakeasy style bar with an extensive and innovative menu of cocktails, Nightjar has live jazz and blues every night, starting around 9:30 p.m. This place is very popular, so be sure to make a booking online (it is often fully booked 6 weeks in advance). The bar is located off of Old Street, in the hip neighborhood of Shoreditch, which is very quickly rising in popularity. They even have a cocktail that serves three people called, “Hug A Wildcat”!
2. The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History
With the most unique atmosphere on the list, this place is a bar and a museum in one! Grab a drink and try to take in all the curiosities surrounding you. Upstairs houses the bar and art, while the museum can be found downstairs. There are 30 minute time slots for the small museum, which still is not enough time to see all the oddities, ranging from Dodo skeletons to antique erotica. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, Reservations and walk-ins are welcome. Located in the borough of Hackney (a 30 minute car ride from Central London), it is well worth the trip. Pictured drink: “Scorps Reviver”.
3. Artesian Bar
Located in the luxury hotel, The Langham, this bar radiates sophistication. Their modern oriental style decor with a focus on purple hues makes for a great setting to share drinks and conversation. The cocktails really shine here, and they have an unparalleled elegant presentation. Artesian Bar has been named winner of the ‘World’s Best Bar’ for four consecutive years by Drinks International. A crowd favorite is the “Creative Maths (1+1=3)” cocktail, that leaves you wondering how you are even supposed to drink it.
4. Cahoots
Situated in an old air raid shelter from WW2, this speakeasy has a “vintage tube” theme. You enter through a ticket booth, and are greeted by staff who never break character. Their menu takes the form of a newspaper and offers more than 70 unique cocktails. Call for reservations. Located in the heart of SOHO, check out the great shopping in the surrounding area before settling in for a few drinks.
5. Cocktail Trading Company
A quirky little bar with a relaxed vibe, this jewel was started by three bartenders. Cocktails are well crafted with a funky twist. It is situated between Shoreditch and the famous street, Brick Lane. Pick any direction to go and you are guaranteed to find an array of quintessentially London culture. Some favorites include: “Royal-Air-Aged Air Mail”, “Tom & Jerry”, and “Apairoteef” (made with white chocolate)!
6. Blind Pig
One of the harder speakeasies to find, you need to look for the vintage ‘Optician’ sign! There is a prohibition ambiance set with dim lighting, copper topped bar, and mismatched wooden furniture. Most alluring of all is their menu, which is “story book themed” with beautiful watercolor illustrations to characterize each drink. This hidden gem is located in the ever popular SOHO neighborhood. Pictured drinks: “Hunny Pot” inspired by Winnie the pooh and “Float like a Peach” inspired by James and the Giant Peach. The menu theme changes every few months so you’re sure to find something new every time you visit.