What with the world and his dog out for Christmas drinks or office do’s, it can be almost impossible to find a bar where you can actually rest your weary feet. But fear not, our resident bar expert Bar Chick has tracked down the five places you’re guaranteed to find somewhere to sit. You can thank her later.
Pond, Dalston
Let’s face it, downright dirty Dalston’s Gillet Square, where the Rastas are still keeping it real, hardly screams festive cheer and fairy lights – but that’s exactly why you need to head there for a Christmas party session. Pond is the newest kid on the block in this eastside hood, so while everyone’s hitting the West End, play it cool in this industrial, ex-warehouse and defy winter by sipping on a slushy at the long bar. For a kick of summer hedonism during the long winter nights, get in a round of Luscious Lana’i – St Germain elderflower liqueur is added to Frog’s pineapple sorbet and topped with Prosecco.
** Alma De Cuba, Liverpool**
Where better to hang out around Christmas than in a church? And we’re not talking about singing carols. Alma De Cuba, an epic converted catholic church, is one hell of a venue and spread over these two floors, you’ll find a restaurant, bar and club – you’re bound to blag a seat in one of them. It’s all sexy stained glass windows, high ceilings and whole barrels of cocktails, so go greedy or rope in some mates (’tis the season for sharing, after all) and sip on a Mojito Barrel filled with Bacardi superior rum, mint, fresh lime and soda.
Old Tom and English, Soho
If you want a seat in Soho around Christmas, you’re gonna have to get underground. Luckily, there’s a new basement bar on Wardour Street and it’s got a sexy hotel bar vibe: hidden away booths and the bar is lined with copper bar stools, you’ll be more than happy to spend all night propped up at – it’s BarChick’s favourite seat in the house. Have a little ‘Patience’, and we’re not talking about the virtue – here it’s Lavender-infused Bombay Sapphire gin, extra dry Vermouth sweetened with orange liqueur and a drop of rosemary bitters. This is one cocktail nailing the botanical drinking trend.
Nightjar, Old Street
Sure you’ll get a seat at this bar… you just need to make sure you book one ahead and you’re golden. It’s a no-standing deal down in this Prohibition-style swingin’ basement bar, and with the kind of drinks they serve up you’re gonna want to be sitting. A lot of love and effort goes into their menu so when you’re hitting the cocktails we recommend the Smokey Joe, made with cognac, lemon, Martini Gran Lusso, artichoke tea, balsamic grape jelly and bee pollen syrup. Bring a Christmas date, and make sure they bring their dancing shoes.
Heddon Street Kitchen, Regent Street
When you think of Ramsay’s newest haunt in W1 you’re probably thinking mega food rather than killer cocktails. Well this place has both, and best of all – not many people know it. Sack off playing shopping sardines in Topshop and rock up at this retro ice cream parlour for a boozy shake or hide away on a leather couch at the back of the bar, Heddon Street Grog in hand. This is their signature cocktail and it’s tiki meets craft beer, with Bacardi Oakheart, Cherry Heering liqueur, pineapple juice, fresh lemon, sugar syrup, bitters and Innis & Gunn original ale.
Like this? Then you might also be interested in:
Here’s An Ultimate Boozy Guide To The Best Bars In Barcelona
Follow Barchick on Twitter @HotBarChick or go over to the website for more recommendations
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.