November in London doesn’t have to be all rain and early Christmas gift shopping, a bar list is here to prove it.
What are your plans for November in London apart from Christmas light walks? There are quite a few new bar openings and themed events happening this month.
Here are some of my favourites for a creative cocktail in a warm setting after a London outdoor exploring:
Swift bar – the internationally renowned Swift team will be opening their doors for the first time in their third venue and this time they’re going south of the river with Borough! In keeping with the distinct identities of the other two sites, Swift Borough reflects the unique neighbourhood, amongst other things partnering with Borough Market’s stellar community of stallholders to spotlight seasonal produce on a monthly basis.
Corinthia London has just opened its new bar Velvet with acclaimed bartender Salvatore Calabrese, aka ‘The Maestro’. The sensational new bar aims to bring back the theatre to cocktail-making, delighting guests with craft and passion with a cocktail menu of sophisticated classic and modern well-established drinks from the 2020’s.
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of much-loved creations such as; The Breakfast Martini and Spicy Fifty, alongside a range of non-alcoholic options and a range of small plates. Velvet is open from 5pm – 1am daily.
Callooh Callay Chelsea launches a new menu. Recognised for challenging the norm with its array of fun themed menus and innovative events, the new collection of cocktails is presented in a delicate and romantic style of letter.
From key historical figures, to secret code words and poetic citations, this menu is an ode to the past, as well as a declaration of love to the cocktails. Taking those who dare on a journey of unlocking a library of letters and a breadth of unique flavors, the team have compiled a list of cocktails with the same passion and dedication as one would in a letter to their beloved.
Hacha, the London agaveria, will be hosting Aldama, the acclaimed Brooklyn Mexican bar and restaurant, in sponsorship with Cazadores Tequila on 15th and 16th November. Taking place at Hacha Dalston, the takeover will celebrate the best of Mexico and combine the creativity and craftsmanship from both the Hacha and Aldama teams.
The two teams created three cocktails each such as Salted Strawberry Rossini from Hacha, made using Cazadores Blanco, Salted Strawberry Puree and Vibracions Cava and Panamericano from Aldama which uses Cazadores Blanco infused with Coconut, Cocchi Americano and Dolin Blanc Vermouth. Each cocktail will be priced at £10.
Silverleaf a stylish bar and a hideaway in the busy cityscape of London’s Liverpool Street has a separate intimate tasting space named Alba. Here, you can sample range of rare and deliciously peaty and smoky tipples with experts at hand to talk you through each, for the perfect cosy romantic Autumn evening date!
On the 16th of November, Alba will be hosting curated tasting sessions with the elegant and peaty Scotch whisky brand James Eadie. Made using a Blended Scotch whisky recipe from the 19th century – this is a unique way to trial the James Eadie range with an expert by your side to guide you through the wonderful line-up.
This November, The Lower Third is set to reinvigorate Soho with its launch on Denmark Street, paying homage to the rich live music heritage of the area alongside an elevated drinks offering. The Lower Third will be open on the site of the now-closed institution The 12 Bar Club, a historic venue that housed a rich musical heritage before its closure in 2020.
The Lower Third will be serving innovative twists on classic drinks curated by Shannon Tebay. The 16 cocktails are named after albums by influential artists who have recorded on Denmark Street.
The Nightjar at Canaby is running a Nightjar will be welcoming the cocktail-lovers of London to indulge in an evening of old-school glamour and art deco nostalgia with their Late Show this November.
Hosting live music from some of London’s top jazz, swing, blues and funk musicians, Nightjar Carnaby are offering guests an opportunity to experience a little taste of the gatsby-esque era and low-lit magic of the New Jazz Age through live music and revived and original cocktails. Open Tuesday – Saturdays from 9 PM – Late and running through till December.