Once upon a time, hotel bars were simply places you passed through on your way to another destination: functional, anonymous, and forgettable. However, that is no longer the case. Today, these bars have transformed into destinations in their own right. Imagine vinyl music, a neighbourhood vibe, situated by the river, and steeped in history.
Over the past few weeks, I've explored several hotel bars across London, and I can confidently say that the city's hotel bars are in fantastic shape. Forget the old clichés; these venues are where locals and travellers come together.
Let’s quickly bypass the concierge and dive into the bar. Here are a few spots to add to your list for London Cocktail Week.
SPROUT
Sprout may have just sprung up inside the brand-new Templeton Garden Hotel, but it's already putting down roots in Kensington. The bar uses local and seasonal produce for its cocktails and bar snacks, giving each drink a unique story. Although Sprout is in a hotel, it's a true neighbourhood bar.
Pro tip: make sure to check out their garden terrace; you won't be disappointed.
🍸 What to try during London Cocktail Week:
TOKI NO KIKU - £9
Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky, chrysanthemum cordial, triple citrus, topped with tonic and finished with a hibiscus & nectavigne ice.
COSMO - £9
Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky, lychee, raspberry, yuzu.
TOKI SOUR - £6 (TINY)
Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky, spiced plum, citrus, date, egg white.
SPROUT - Templeton Garden Hotel, 1-15 Templeton Place, London, SW5 9NB
Website
https://www.miirohotels.com/templetongarden/eat-and-drink/sprout
HIDDEN GROOVES
Having spent a fair amount of time in record shops as a kid, I have a soft spot for listening bars. Located in the Virgin Hotel London - Shoreditch, the bar pays homage to founder Richard Branson's roots in the music industry, specifically with Virgin Records. You can spend time browsing through the many records and listening to them at designated stations, all while enjoying their delicious cocktails.
There's also a box of records that Richard Branson himself had in his first flat in London, yes, his personal stash. I'll let you decide if he has good taste.
🍸 What to try during London Cocktail Week:
DROP BY DROP - £9
Kay Sake, Bacardi Rum Carta Blanca, Italicus, lemon juice, homemade osmotic strawberry syrup - fat washed with a mix of Greek yoghurt and milk.
HARMONY - £6 (NON-ALC)
Everleaf Forest, homemade basil honey, lemon juice, dandy smoke and cloudy apple soda.
HIDDEN GROOVES - Virgin Hotels London - Shoreditch, 45 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3PT
Website
https://virginhotels.com/london-shoreditch/eat-drink/hidden-grooves/
ARTYARD BAR & KITCHEN AT BANKSIDE HOTEL
The Artyard Bar & Kitchen at Bankside Hotel offers a refreshingly laid-back atmosphere, despite being just steps away from iconic landmarks like the London Eye.
It has a unique vibe that differs from typical hotel bars, thanks to the Art Yard Maker's Studio, a permanent creative hub within the hotel. Here, the Contemporary Collective offers artist residencies, supporting visual artists like photographer Samuel Ryde by providing valuable space and time for creativity. The new Artist-in-Residence programme launches on October 10 and features artists Niamh Tam, Lily Rees, Lauren Pitson, Dale Hardy, and Mia Roberts.
The Collective also curates an evolving selection of works from emerging artists, ensuring that the space remains vibrant and fresh. Whether you're stopping by for a cocktail, a bite to eat, or a dose of artistic inspiration, this venue seamlessly combines art, culture and relaxation.
🍸 What to try during London Cocktail Week:
SOUTH BANK SUNSET - £9
Tanqueray London Dry Gin, passionfruit, mango, pineapple, citrus, Angostura bitters and ginger beer.
SOUTH BANK SUNSET - £6 (NON-ALC)
Everleaf Marine, passionfruit, mango, citrus and Coca Cola.
ARTYARD BAR & KITCHEN AT BANKSIDE HOTEL - 2 Blackfriars Road, Upper Ground, London, SE1 9JU
Website
https://www.artyardbarandkitchen.com
SIDE HUSTLE AT THE NOMAD HOTEL
The Bow Street Magistrates' Court and Police Station stood for 266 years, once serving as the seat of the Senior District Judge (Magistrates' Courts) It witnessed some of London's most famous cases, including those of Dr. Crippen, the Kray Twins, and Oscar Wilde. Today, the building has been transformed into the Grade II-listed NoMad Hotel, where history meets modern style.
Inside, you'll find its award-winning bar, Side Hustle, which channels a distinctly Old New York energy while offering a menu inspired by Latin American flavours in both its cocktails and food.
🍸 What to try during London Cocktail Week:
EL TUCAN - £9
Patron Silver Tequila, herbal liqueur, lime juice, celery juice, grapefruit juice, agave syrup, bitters and topped with soda water.
MEZCALITA - £6 (TINY)
Del Maguey Mezcal, dry curaçao, comfier, agave and lime juice.
SIDE HUSTLE AT THE NOMAD HOTEL- 28 Bow Street, London, WC2E 7AW
Website
https://www.thenomadhotel.com/london/side-hustle/
Please Note: The Signature Cocktail here is limited to ONE per person.
There's no better time to explore London's unique hotel cocktail culture than during London Cocktail Week.
This post was written by Rob Ellison, co-founder of drinks magazine TONIC.
