Top 5 Most Impressive London Drinking Venues
Top 5 Most Impressive London Drinking Venues
Dickie Fitz
Starting with a truly Noveau trend venue, Dickie Fitz in Fitzrovia is the place to start when looking for an elegant place to impress your business associates, new partner or out of town friends. The Dickie Fitz experience may ooze trendy from the moment you cross the threshold, and yet it is an unsurprisingly comfortable environment. The bar boasts a selection of new world wines as well as wonderfully aromatic Australian coffee for your teetotal companions.
For those that like to graduate from an evening of drinks to fine dining, there is no need to leave the premises, and the offering of private dining facilities compliments the exquisite choice at the bar. The Executive chef, an Australian brings a clear flair of distinction from down under to these premises. One that will remain with you, a long time after the wine is a distant memory on your palate. If you’re exploring, London’s poshest, overlooking Dickie Fitz would be a mistake you couldn’t live with.
The Cat and Mutton
The Cat and Mutton which apparently has been around since 1729 is a quiet, unassuming venue that might be mistaken for just another local from the outside. Once inside all illusions are shattered. A Smart casual atmosphere makes both eating and drinking in this classic London pub a relaxing experience that highly stressed professionals prefer to enjoy after a hard day’s trading or negotiating. Whether you are looking for exotic yet refined cocktails or a bottle of wine to round off a long week, this is one place to feature high on your list. Located in the East end, don’t be misguided by the address – It’s a great place to inspire your friends and colleagues.
The Ape and Bird
Formerly the Marquis of Granby, the Ape and Bird has been refurbished offering a low-lit bar and restaurant that produces a singular air of opulence. Owned by Polpo this London nightspot on the doorstep of the West End Theatreland is the perfect place to start or end a high-end evening out. A characteristically Mediterranean menu offers only the best of everything you could wish for. A touch of the Venetian in Central West London cannot be ignored when opting to entertain close friends, work associates or even simply for a quiet evening out on your own.
The Montpelier
The cinema at the rear of “The Montpelier” sets this establishment well above its competitors. Located South of the river, this hidden gem offers an aura of classy alternatives in both music and cinema entertainment. Combined with an exceptional choice of food and drink, stopping off here rather than travelling all the way into central London becomes a realistic option even for those with more money than sense. This independent nightspot in the heart of Peckham Rye should never be overlooked because of its location much like the Cat and Mutton mentioned above. Open from midday every day, and closing between 9 pm and midnight makes this an ideal choice before moving onto a night of clubbing into the early hours or back home for a nightcap with your new love interest.
The Pig & Butcher
Venturing back onto the north side of the river and journeying to Islington to the North of London the reputation of The Pig and Butcher will not pass you by. This superb hangout with origins in the 1800s when the area was still a small village outside of the still much smaller London has one of the most meat rich menus in the capital. Their premises are a real butchery, taking the cuts they serve from carcases that are delivered directly to them and then prepared in-house and served fresh to the table. As close to the origin in any city is hard to find.
A unique touch to this fabulous gastro experience is that the menu changes every day. Combined with a fantastic selection of alcoholic fayre, the surprise element is what makes exploring this cuisine and drinking space such an adventure. Rub shoulders with London’s famous but shy characters who are attracted by the appeal of this European-styled pub and restaurant and what makes them, so incredibly special is their ethos, which supports craft beer makers and local industry. If green credentials are important too, you’ll love being around the unpretentious yet very obvious stylish crowd to be found here.
If you’re going to explore the higher end eateries in the pub and restaurant world in London, it is a pertinent reminder to observe the dress code. There is nothing more disappointing than being turned away from a venue that you’ve looked forward to visiting all week.
