Finally! Some new bars in London for me to play with. Whilst my colleague who looks after the restaurants section has been busier than ever keeping up with new restaurant launches during our supposed recession, I’ve been huffing and puffing at the fact that pubs, clubs and bars are CLOSING and nothing is stepping in to fill the void. Luckily clubland (see London Clubs Reopening) isn’t the only section of London seeing a boost.

I have to admit that much of the bar news at the moment centres around bars replacing what’s closed or simple refurbishments to help drive in business. Particularly successful recent examples include Centro, stepping into the void left by AKA, and the Kings Arms turning the site of The Larrick sports pub into a pleasant gastropub. Meanwhile, favourites like Southwark Rooms and Keston Lodge aren’t sitting on their laurels, instead investing money into what were already successful venues. It’s a competitive world out there, after all.

T Bar is a biggun, it opens tonight after moving from its previous incarnation in Shoreditch to, um, Houndsditch. Not sure how that will work out, but still.

Big new bars that have launched recently include some of my personal favourites. I loved the charm and neighbourhood local appeal of Swan and Edgar; the secretive, kitsch nature of Barts; the remote locale (well I had to take a bus – a BUS – to get there) and quality grub at Villiers Terrace; the OTT decor and flamboyant cocktails of Aquum; the panoramic views of Attic; the stunning decor of Lost Angel; the laid back cool of the Apartment; and the incredible turn around made by Cellar Bar, once a chav’s nightspot now an upmarket cocktail bar. Wow, I drink too much.

Falling short of the mark is the new Boundary Rooftop Bar, which was sadly all style with absolutely no substance. Here’s hoping it was just teething problems, eh!

I hope London has a bright future ahead. With these great bars opening I am certainly hopeful.

Cheers!