Every few months or so I like to do a round-up of the latest bar openings (see New Bars in London and New Bars). Even in a recession so many bars open every week that it’s hard to keep track of where the coolest new spots are. I know how fickle (and I mean that in a good way!) Londoners are and what was big news last month can be old hat in a matter of weeks. It’s a harder time than ever for bars and pubs to stay afloat – so here is my breakdown of the best new openings of the last couple of months.
One of the biggest openings is Pacha’s venture into the world of bars - The Driver in Kings Cross. I headed along last weekend and the sprawling gastro pub, bar and members’ club was certainly impressive. The pub downstairs was cheap and the food was decent. However, the floors above it were empty on a Friday night and it came across as a little contrived. I hope it does well, with no entry fee and some decent house nights lined up if they can pull in a crowd it should fulfil its potential.
Of course, gastro pubs are still big business in London and it seems like they spring up almost every day. The Cadogan in Chelsea opened just over a week ago and is the latest venture from Tom and Ed Martin (whose group includes The Gun, Empress of India and The Botanist). I headed over and, after a mammoth journey that incorporated a tube and a bus (it’s down the far end of the Kings Road, you see) I found it was well worth the effort. Great food and not unreasonable prices for the area ensured it ticked most of the boxes. Also excellent (and another long bus journey away for me) was The Establishment in Battersea. The rustic country lodge decor had a stylish edge and it was filled with happy go lucky locals. I admit that, by the end of my meal, I had decided I wanted to move to Battersea. That was until I had to get back on the bus.
It’s not just new London bars, refurbishments have been rife in recent months as old venues spruce up their appearance in an attempt to keep the punters coming in. My local the Blind Beggar cleaned up its act with a fresh lick of paint and new furniture and looks all the better for it. The Gallery in Hampstead also had a little update and impressed the crowds at its relaunch on Saturday. Wheatsheaf had no option but to move locations in order to make way for the Thameslink rail network. However, its new look and new location have ensured that local office workers in and around London Bridge have descended on the basement bar in their droves, thirsty for a cool pint.
Finally, we have the most surprising group of new London bars – the upmarket and glamorous bars. I was unsure what to expect when I heard about Astons Champagne Bar in Canary Wharf – do investment bankers have the funds to splash out on Champagne anymore? However, it turns out the prices are extremely credit crunch friendly and they do special money off deals and cheap grub. Crescent Champagne Bar finally had its full opening and, again, I was unsure how a bar like this would fare. However, it’s hosting special events like showing the Wimbledon tennis with Pimms and pastries on offer (mmm pastries). Finally there’s the Bombay Sapphire Dusk Bar at Sommerset House. The setting alone astounds and it’s worth popping by to check out the lighting as dusk falls. Sure to be a success.
Phew! That’s a lot of drinking. How long is it until pay day?