Previous Gintime Bars of the Month

Bar Termini Mar 2016

7 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 5JE

Think a slice of 1950s style Little Italy in Soho dreamed up by coffee whiz Marco Arrigo and cocktail maestro Tony Conigliario and that’s what Bar Termini is all about. Everything is simple in the traditional Italian way so the … Continue reading

Nola Dec 2014

68 Rivington St, London, EC2A

The brainchild of industry legend Dan Priseman, Nola is a little bit of New Orleans in East London. So it embodies the two things New Orleans is most famous for – music and damn fine cocktails. The drinks menu has … Continue reading

Happiness Forgets Jul 2014

8-9 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU

This issue Gintime is lucky enough to have the mysterious and elusive Gin Monkey giving us her opinion of the bar that every bartender loves. It has no hint of speakeasy about it, yet it’s a bit difficult to find. … Continue reading

White Lyan Mar 2014

White Lyan, 153 – 155 Hoxton Street, London, N1 6PJ

White Lyan in Hoxton Street is as different in concept from any bar you’ve ever been in as grabbing a McDonalds is from dining chez Blumenthal. It’s not about the obvious issues such as quality, rather that the approach to … Continue reading

The Royal Dick Jul 2013

1 Summerhall, The Meadows, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL

The Royal Dick at Summerhall, Edinburgh’s much talked about arts hub, is definitely a bit unusual. Located in what was once the Small Animal Hospital of this huge complex formerly the University’s School of Veterinary Studies known to all Edinburghers … Continue reading

Bar Le Coq Dec 2012

12 Rue du Château d'Eau, 75010-10e Arrondissement, Paris

Very French, very chic and very sexy, Bar Le Coq is the latest barventure from Tony Conigliario with partners Thierry Daniel and Eric Frossard of the famous Paris Cocktails and Spirits Bar Show. Situated in the increasingly fashionable 10th, almost … Continue reading

The Last Word Saloon May 2012

44 St Stephen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5AL

Those lovely Bramble boys have done it again. Located in the chic Stockbridge area of Edinburgh their latest venture, The Last Word Saloon, is a transformation of their former gastro pub into an uber cool cocktail bar. Great choice of … Continue reading

Socio Rehab Feb 2012

100-102 High Street, Manchester, M4 1HP

Manchester’s flagship cocktail bar and a real institution, Socio Rehab is renowned for disco cocktails, and luminous concoctions with a garnish that wouldn’t look out of place in an ice cream van 10p mix. Brilliant gin holding with some two … Continue reading

The Booking Office Bar Nov 2011

St Pancras Renaissance London Hotel, Euston Road, NW1 2HR

The Booking Office Bar at St. Pancras has got to be one of the most romantic bars in London – one feels there’s an imminent brief encounter just a step away on the nearby Eurostar platform. Set inside what was … Continue reading

Roast Sep 2011

Floral Hall, Stoney Street, Borough Market, London, SE1 1TL

Roast Restaurant and Bar is in the middle of London’s Borough Market where 10,000 food lovers flock each weekend to buy from Britain’s best farmers and producers. The restaurant’s ‘Best of British’ theme has been carried over to the bar … Continue reading

The SKY Bar Jun 2011

Point Hotel 34 Bread Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9AF

Pop up bars are all the rage right now and the SKY Bar at Edinburgh’s Point Hotel has to be one of the best. On the last Thursday of every month the rooftop SKY Bar opens to the public as … Continue reading

The Ivy Bar Apr 2011

102-106 Argyle Street,Glasgow, G3 7RX

Glasgow’s bar scene is upping its game and The Ivy Bar is typical of the city’s new cocktail energy and passion. It’s located on the west end of Argyle Street, occupying the space formerly held by 54 Below. Over the … Continue reading

The Nightjar Feb 2011

129-131 City Road, London, EC1V 1JB

It’s easy to miss but once you’ve found the discreet doorway along a parade of cafés along the City Road, you’ll find yourself in the world of The Nightjar. Designed as an antidote to overcrowded super bars the recently opened … Continue reading

Baltic Bar and Restaurant Dec 2010

74 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8HA

Baltic Bar and Restaurant in Blackfriars Road is Eastern Europe meets downtown New York. Redesigned by architect Seth Stein whilst retaining its original character, it’s located in a late 18th century coachbuilder’s building. A discreet entrance into the Amber Bar … Continue reading

Graphic Oct 2010

4 Golden Square, Soho, London, W1F 9HT

Graphic, in the heart of Soho, has got to be the best gin bar in the world. With over 65 gins on offer (yes some that even we have never seen before) it’s a paradise for the juniper inclined. The … Continue reading

Oxo Tower Bar Sep 2010

Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, London SE1 9PH

Perched on top of this famous South Bank landmark with its distinctive Oxo branding, the Oxo Tower Bar is one of London’s most glamorous settings and the perfect spot to enjoy the long evenings as the clocks go back. After … Continue reading

Purl Aug 2010

50/54 Blandford Street Marylebone, London W1U 7HX

Purl London is a brand new cocktail bar in Marylebone that is the life long ambition of cocktail maestros Bryan Pietersen, Tristan Stephenson, Thomas Aske and Matt Whiley. Atmospheric décor with lots of lovely leather sofas and a deliberately retro … Continue reading

The Raconteur Jun 2010

50 Dean Street, Edinburgh

So what happens when three of Scotland’s best barkeeps take over an old geezer pub with the mission to serve the best drinks money can buy? The Raconteur happens. Headed up by the renowned Jamie Mac The Raconteur is cocktail … Continue reading

The Player May 2010

8 Broadwick Street, Soho, London, W1F 8HN

One of Soho’s best kept secrets The Player is part of the Match Bar Group and one of a chain of private members clubs including the famed Milk and Honey just round the corner. But the good news is that … Continue reading

Circus Mar 2010

27-29 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9BA

Located on Endell St in Seven Dials in the heart of Covent Garden, Circus is a brand new venue for drinking, dining, dancing and late night escapades. Designed by iconic British designer Tom Dixon, it serves Pan-American cuisine alongside an … Continue reading

Pinchito Feb 2010

32 Featherstone Street, London, EC1

Just around the corner from Old Street Tube station is Pinchito, baby brother to the award winning Pinxto People in Brighton and modelled on the same format ie a fantastic range of authentic Basque-style tapas and great drinks. They love … Continue reading

The Light Bar Jan 2010

233 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6PJ

Located on Shoreditch High Street, The Light Bar is just a stone’s throw away from the heart of the City. One of London’s first cool bars the tasteful mixture of industrial brick and steel décor reflects the building’s industrial heritage … Continue reading

The Lonsdale Dec 2009

48 Lonsdale Road, Notting Hill, London, W11 2DE

The Lonsdale, in uber trendy Notting Hill, is firmly established as one of London’s top cocktail destinations. Not surprising as the boxes virtually tick themselves: check adventurous décor, an accessible location, great food and drinks to die for. Maestro Dick … Continue reading

Callooh Callay Nov 2009

65 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 3AY

Whacky name, fab bar. Callooh Callay takes its name from Jabberwocky, the nonsensical poem by Lewis Carroll, and has many quirky design touches that make it a fascinating place to hang out. For example the surreal Narnia wardrobe. Enter it … Continue reading

The Opera Quarter Bar Oct 2009

3 Tavistock St, London, WC2E 7PA

The Opera Quarter Bar is a temporary pop up venue from renowned cocktail maestro Douglas Ankrah whose ambition was to set up the best bar in the world, showcasing the world’s leading bartenders – a must see for bar connoisseurs, … Continue reading

Ronnie’s Bar Aug 2009

47 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4HT

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club is a Soho institution and the newly revamped members only Ronnie’s Bar upstairs takes its inspiration from the Jacques Garcia designed Black Bar at the Hôtel Costes in Paris. Think leopard skin, full on 1930s glamour … Continue reading

Hawksmoor Jul 2009

157 Commercial Street London, E1 6BJ

Named after the architect who designed nearby Christ Church, Hawksmoor is the ultimate steakhouse and cocktail bar. The décor is elegantly simple with white walls and open brickwork, black seating, tables of reclaimed Burmese teak and a magnificent bar sourced … Continue reading

Portobello Star May 2009

171 Portobello Road, London, W11 2DY

The first London outpost of the team who conquered Leeds with such iconic bars as Angel’s Share, Jake’s and Oporto, The Portobello Star is the bar everyone’s now talking about. Headed up by the renowned Jake Burger (see Gintime Feature) … Continue reading

The Bon Vivant Apr 2009

55 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DY

Edinburgh stalwart Stuart McCluskey’s very own bar is just what you’d expect from a self confessed gin nut and total perfectionist. Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s drinkng triangle it’s a welcoming spot with a fantastic bar, comfy sofas and … Continue reading

Kumo Feb 2009

11 Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1NQ

Kumo is Knightsbridge’s newest and coolest Japanese destination venue with the extra bonus of having a serious, proper cocktail bar boasting a to die for drinks menu designed by award winning cocktail impresario Douglas Ankrah. Naturally enough the cocktails have … Continue reading

Jake’s Bar and Grill Nov 2008

29 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7BT

Down some steps in a basement in The Calls, Leeds’ famous clubbing district is a proper cool bar serving proper cocktails and great food. Head honcho Jake Burger is a legend in the bar world and what he doesn’t know … Continue reading

Salt Bar Sep 2008

82 Seymour Street, London, W2 2JB

Right in the heart of central London is this speakeasy lounge style Whisky and Cocktail bar. Salt Bar and Dining Room is known throughout London for its astonishing range of whiskies and bourbons – over 200 at the last count. … Continue reading

Tempus Aug 2008

George Hotel, 21 George Street Edinburgh, EH2 2PB

Sometimes hotel bars can be stuffy places. Not Tempus. Right in the heart of Edinburgh’s drinking triangle on George Street, this is the place to sip in style. A bar, bistro and restaurant it’s open all day seven days a … Continue reading

Bramble Bar & Lounge Jul 2008

16a Queen Street, Edinburgh

Brand new Bramble Bar & Lounge is the latest addition to Edinburgh’s astonishingly good bar scene. Down the stairs at the foot of Hanover Street in what was once the Oyster Bar, it’s a proper Prohibition style cocktail bar with … Continue reading

The Establishment Jun 2008

45-47 Parsons Green Lane, Fulham, London SW6 4HH

This new bar and restaurant in Parsons Green exudes retro style, evoking childhood memories of classic British police dramas and 70’s gangster films, thanks to Ford Cortina inspired banquette seating, glamorous Foscarini glass chandeliers and a truly 70’s chocolate colour … Continue reading

Bünker May 2008

41 Earlham Street, London, WC2 9LD

Beneath the butterbean croquettes and tofu shakes of Neal’s Yard, the vast Bünker bierhall is whooping it up, buzzing as always with office workers making a healthy din over a Beastie Boys soundtrack. It’s a sociable sort of a joint … Continue reading

The Club Bar and Dining Apr 2008

21-22 Warwick Street, London, W1B 5NE

Bar of the Month winner The Club Bar and Dining Located at what used to be the Sugar Club in the easy to navigate part of Soho, The Club Bar and Dining has an informal bar and dining room on … Continue reading

Doon Mar 2008

66 Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DS

A hidden gem in the heart of Central London, this sexy, underground late night venue is just ‘doon the stairs’ from Albannach, the unique Scottish themed restaurant and bar in Trafalgar Square. Doon is just the kind of bar we … Continue reading